National – The National Safety Council released its 2024-2025 MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report, which highlights efforts to prevent the most common workplace injury, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSD Solutions Index shows steady progress in strengthening safety culture, encourages greater investment in risk reduction and innovation.
The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released Injectable Therapies in Workers’ Compensation, which highlights rising costs from specialty injectables and infusions, which now make up 5–8% of pharmacy spending and can cost up to 40 times more than traditional drugs.
Arizona – Arizona lawmakers launched 2026 with a focus on supporting first responders by introducing two bills that create PTSD presumptions tied to service and protect survivor benefits from termination upon remarriage.
- HB 2204 introduced by State Rep. Selina Bliss (R) proposes a presumption that PTSD is an occupational disease for first responders who have received, or currently receive, licensed counseling and were diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional with a condition linked to service-related duties.
- SB 1136 introduced by State Sen. David Gowan (R) aims to shield surviving spouses of first responders from automatic termination of death benefits upon remarriage. It would restore eligibility for anyone who lost benefits due to remarriage on or after January 1, 2000.
Mississippi – Two bills were introduced in Mississippi legislature that aim to expand workers’ compensation benefits:
- HB 80 would increase the compensation rates for disability and death cases from 66.67% to 100% of the average weekly wage.
- HB 92 would increase the maximum total recovery period for injured workers from the current limit to 520 weeks.
Nevada – Nevada’s Workers’ Compensation Section announced that injured workers receiving permanent total disability benefits, as well as dependents receiving survivor benefits, will see a 2.3% increase in their monthly benefit rates effective this month.
Washington – State Rep. Suzanne Schmidt (R) introduced HB 2405, which would create a pilot program allowing early PTSD treatment for workers in high-risk jobs before their claims are formally adjudicated. The bill directs the Department of Labor & Industries to collaborate with mental health experts, streamline administrative processes, and improve access to care for trauma-exposed occupations through 2030.
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