The bill creating a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) pilot program focused on improving recovery outcomes and allowing employees to remain in or return to the workplace was amended in the policy committee prior to passing the House. It has now been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate.

HB 2405 allows the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to implement a PTSD pilot program that now:

• Allow self-insures a choice in program participation;
• Mandates L&I provide eligible workers the opportunity to opt into the program;
• Requires L&I and participating self-insurers to approve PTSD treatment prior to claim authorization for workers participating in the program;
• Allows workers to receive treatment from an out-of-network medical provider prior to claim authorization if the provider agrees to L&I’s medical aid rules and fee schedule and signs a nonnetwork provider agreement;
• Allows for authorization of additional 12 treatment sessions if claim has not been authorized within 90 days;
• Requires workers to seek treatment from an in-network provider once the claim has been authorized;
• Requires, instead of allows, six additional treatments within a year of the claim closure if necessary to maintain a worker’s level of functioning; and
• Includes trauma-informed reintergration procedures and programs.

Dates to remember

HB 2405 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on February 23 at 10:30 am.

L&I seeks to create PTSD pilot program

January 16, 2026

AWC supports efforts by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to implement a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) pilot program focused on improving recovery outcomes and allowing employees to remain in or return to the workplace.

HB 2405, sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Schmidt (R–Spokane Valley), allows L&I to implement a PTSD pilot program that would enable the department and self-insurers to:

• Authorize clinical diagnostic interviews and mental health evaluations prior to claim adjudications;
• Establish agreements with health organizations;
• Authorize a maximum of six additional treatments within a year of the claim closure; and
• Amend administrative requirements to eliminate barriers and make it easier for workers and treatment providers to take part in the pilot program.

Any participation in the pilot program by a self-insurer is subject to reporting requirements for all workers’ compensation claims that arose during the program.

Dates to remember

HB 2405 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee on January 21 at 8 am.