PTSD Presumption for Correctional Officers

PTSD Coverage for Correctional Officers
SB 147 formally recognizes PTSD as a compensable workplace injury for COs under Alaska law.

SB 147 makes major updates to Alaska’s workers’ compensation system, with direct and long-overdue impacts on Correctional Officers. The law strengthens reemployment benefits, creates a new stay-at-work program, increases benefit caps, tightens timelines, and—most importantly—establishes a presumption of compensability for PTSD claims for Correctional Officers and other first responders.

Why this matters: For the first time, Alaska law formally recognizes the psychological toll of correctional work and places responsibility where it belongs.

Key highlights include:

  • PTSD Presumption: Correctional Officers diagnosed with PTSD by a psychiatrist or psychologist are presumed eligible for workers’ compensation if the diagnosis occurs during employment or within three years of separation.

  • Expanded Reemployment Benefits: Higher cost caps, added coverage for job modification devices, travel, and relocation expenses.

  • New Stay-At-Work Program: Designed to help injured employees return to work sooner with structured plans paid for by the employer.

  • Faster Timelines: Shorter notification and evaluation deadlines for injured workers.

  • Employer Accountability: Employers bear increased responsibility for costs associated with rehabilitation and stay-at-work plans.

Effective Date: January 1, 2025 (with select provisions effective immediately).

This legislation represents a significant step forward in recognizing the long-term physical and psychological toll of correctional work. Officers are encouraged to review the full bill for details. 

Full enrolled bill text for those who want the legal language.