Nova Scotia to broaden PTSD benefits for first responders as of next week

Nova Scotia first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder will have an easier time accessing workers’ compensation benefits beginning Oct. 26.

The province has eliminated a requirement that those in emergency response occupations must prove that a PTSD diagnosis is work-related.

READ MORE: N.S. man receiving national award for PTSD podcast

The updated Workers’ Compensation Act regulations, first unveiled last year, will clarify who is eligible for presumption and who can diagnose PTSD.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

For a claim to be considered under the Act, PTSD must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or registered psychologist.

2:13 Alberta man takes his dog on cross Canada journey to raise PTSD awareness

• Alberta man takes his dog on cross Canada journey to raise PTSD awareness
• Case of convicted murderer getting PTSD treatment under veterans’ services to be studied: O’Regan
• Emotional MP remembers firefighter who took his own life due to PTSD
• Despite government report showing ‘significant’ reduction in PTSD, veterans denied service dogs
• Exclusive: Government delays decision on paying for PTSD dogs for vets

Previous Video

Next Video

Eligible workers include police, paid and volunteer firefighters, paramedics, nurses, correctional officers, continuing care assistants, emergency-response dispatchers and sheriffs covered by the Workers’ Compensation Board.

The board says eligible workers with a PTSD diagnosis received on or after Oct. 26, 2013, can refile a claim even if they were denied benefits in the past.