Panel expands who may make PTSD disability determinations for police pensions

The committee approved House Bill 32-65, which broadens the category of professionals who may make PTSD disability determinations for police pension disability retirements.

Senator Fricks described the bill as defining a "qualified mental health specialist" to include psychologists and additional licensed practitioners so a psychologist can make the final PTSD determination instead of requiring both a psychologist and a psychiatrist or medical doctor. Ginger Sigler, director of the Oklahoma Police Pension, told senators that the current process often requires paying for a psychologist assessment and then sending the matter to a psychiatrist or medical doctor for final determination, duplicating costs and creating delays because psychiatrists are in short supply.

Committee members expressed support but asked for clear diagnostic criteria and tighter guardrails to avoid overdiagnosis or improper causal attributions. Sigler said the system requires proof that the condition was job-caused, that the applicant sought treatment and that the PTSD is the reason for retirement.

The committee passed the bill by roll call (7 ayes, 0 nays).