A Saskatoon woman who advocated for presumptive coverage for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) feels Saskatchewan’s legislation has not turned out the way she hoped.
Jennifer Chouinard worked with Saskatchewan MLAs to establish the law, inspired in part by her own diagnosis with PTSD after she stopped working as a social worker in January 2015.
Asked whether the law she called for lived up to her expectations, Chouinard answered: “Not at all. No. Not even close.”
According to Chouinard, she hasn’t received her full entitlement from the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and is subject to “intrusive” phone calls from WCB staff.
“Without warning, the call comes in and you’re forced to relive those reasons why you’re even on the call in the first place,” said Chouinard, who is also the founder of PTSD Saskatchewan Peer Support Network.
Her preference would be to have workers view her past diagnoses and related documents, rather than call her directly and “re-traumatize” her.
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Last week, the 32-year-old learned WCB required an additional psychological assessment, possibly outside of Saskatchewan.
“I think the Saskatchewan people would be more comfortable and would feel it more appropriate for us to have those services in Saskatchewan,” Chouinard said.
Jessie Aschenbrenner, who was diagnosed with PTSD in March 2016, was referred for an assessment in Vancouver.
“Due to my injury, I was just not able to do that. It was already enough of a task to leave the house to do anything,” said Aschenbrenner, who said he’d seen at least five medical professionals before getting involved with WCB.
Noting worker’s compensation can’t comment on specific cases, a statement from WCB CEO Peter Federko doesn’t address out-of-province assessments.
“The psychological injury presumption is rebuttable which requires the WCB to determine that the injury was, more likely than not, caused by work activities,” Federko said.
A statement from WCB minister Don Morgan also cited privacy concerns, but stated workers must be diagnosed with a psychological injury from a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
“We hope all workers who have psychological injuries stemming from their jobs will reach out to the WCB to file a claim,” Morgan said.
People can appeal WCB decisions through its appeals department and the board appeal tribunal. The fair practices office is also tasked with listening to concerns and resolving issues.
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