Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Workers' Compensation Amendment Regulation · in-force

Workers' Compensation Regulation Amended to Include Nurses for PTSD Presumption

Amends the Workers' Compensation Regulation to include specific classes of regulated nurses and nursing students as 'prescribed workers' for presumptive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) claims.

Moderate impactHealth system governanceHealth-care bodiesThe public, directly

What changed

  • The Workers' Compensation Regulation (AR 325/2002) is amended by adding section 19.2, which designates specific classes of regulated nurses as 'prescribed workers' for PTSD presumptions under the Workers' Compensation Act.
  • Designated classes include registered nurses, certified graduate nurses, graduate nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses with practice permits who directly provide patient care.
  • Nursing students in approved programs who provide direct patient care under a clinical learning program or in employment are also designated as 'prescribed workers'.
  • The designation applies for the purposes of section 24.2(2) and (3) of the Workers' Compensation Act.

Why it matters

  • Expands the categories of workers eligible for presumptive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) claims under the Workers' Compensation Act.
  • Reduces the burden of proof for eligible nurses and nursing students seeking compensation for PTSD related to their employment.
  • Acknowledges the occupational risks of PTSD for professionals and students engaged in direct patient care within the nursing field.
  • Adjusts the framework for workers' compensation claims, potentially impacting claim volumes and administrative processes for the Workers' Compensation Board.

Other governance concerns

  • Scope of workers' rights
  • Access to compensation for occupational injury

Primary sources (1)