Sunday, December 8, 2024

Governor Hochul Signs New Law to Support Workers Facing Job-Related Post-Traumatic Stress

A therapist takes notes during a session with a male patient

Legislation S.6635/A.5745 Allows New Yorkers To Apply For Workers' Compensation For Extraordinary Work-Related Stress

Governor Hochul Invested $1 Billion To Transform The Continuum Of Mental Health Care In New York

Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation to support working people who are facing job-related mental health crises. This law will allow any worker to file for workers' compensation for specific types of mental injury premised on extraordinary work-related stress. Signing this law continues Governor Hochul's commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in New York, including by investing $1 billion to transform the continuum of care.

“New Yorkers work hard — and those who have experienced the unthinkable while on the job deserve to be treated fairly,” Governor Hochul said. “The mental health crisis our country has experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and we need to do everything in our power to lend a hand to those in need. I'll never stop fighting for the working people of New York.”

Through an agreement with the Legislature, Legislation S.6635/A.5745 will allow any worker to file for workers' compensation for specific types of mental injury premised on extraordinary work-related stress. This expands coverage to all workers in the State of New York; previously, only certain first responders were eligible for such benefits.

This legislation builds on the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the state’s mental health care system and improving access for all New Yorkers. The Governor’s FY 2025 Enacted Budget included $20 million to continue expanding school-based mental health clinic satellites, $19 million to provide critical care to young people outside of school environments, $33 million to build supports for individuals living with a mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system, and $55 million to add 200 inpatient beds at state-operated psychiatric centers.

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