Workers’ compensation law adds PTSD diagnosticians, adjusts disability payments

A new workers’ compensation law makes several technical and policy updates recommended by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, a body with equal employer and labor representation.

It took effect May 19, 2026, unless otherwise noted. Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) and Sen. Jennifer McEwen (DFL-Duluth) are the sponsors.

The law adds psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to the list of healthcare providers allowed to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder. This provision, effective for dates of injury on or after Oct. 1, 2026, could loosen bottlenecks for first responders and other workers seeking mental health care coverage.

Also for injuries occurring on or after that date the law updates the dollar multipliers used to calculate compensation for permanent partial disabilities, allowing increased financial payouts for injured workers who suffer permanent bodily impairment.

The law also:

• allows employees to bring an unpaid witness with them to a physical exam requested by their employer;

• extends a "pay-and-investigate" period to 90 days instead of 60 for dates of injury on or after Oct. 1, 2026, giving employers more time to investigate a claim before filing a denial;

• updates the maximum dollar limit on workers’ compensation attorney fees;

• allows judges from the Office of Administrative Hearings to serve on the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals when needed, and

• modifies laws that regulate internal operations of the Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association.

HF4598/SF3720*/CH103

SF3720* / HF4598 / CH103