This week, State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) provided sponsor testimony on House Bill 308. This is the latest attempt by Rep. Patton to secure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment benefits within Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. The bill would buck the state’s long-standing tradition of requiring a physical injury before allowing mental health claims under the workers’ compensation system. The bill includes the expansion of workers’ comp benefits for first responders who suffer mental or emotional impairment caused by PTSD, even when there is no physical injury. The OMA and its business allies have opposed this proposed expansion for years — most recently during this year’s budget process. Instead, the OMA has offered alternatives to ensure that first responders receive proper mental care outside of the workers’ compensation system. 10/10/2019