Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Announces Intention to Add Nurses as First Responders for Purpose of WSIB PTSD Presumption
Date: December 15, 2017
On December 6, 2017, the Ontario Ministry of Labour announced that it intends to add nurses who provide direct patient care to the list of “first responders” who benefit from a presumption of work-relatedness if they develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The change is aimed at expediting front-line nurses’ access to benefits and timely treatment through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
The Ministry of Labour’s Press Release estimates that the change will affect up to 140,000 nurses.
As of December 14, 2017, the final day of the Legislative Session before the holidays, no Bill has yet been tabled to implement the Ministry’s announcement. Legislation is expected early in 2018.
