Mental Injury Presumption Legislation Support

On April 16, the provincial government announced nurses will now be included in mental injury presumption legislation. With this change now in effect, a set of frequently asked questions has been developed to provide further information on how this legislation applies to nurses.

BCNU spent months lobbying for this change to the Workers Compensation Act, adding all nurses regulated by the BC College of Nursing Professionals* to the list of recognized professions, including front-line workers such as firefighters, police officers, sheriffs, correctional officers, paramedics, emergency dispatchers and care aides.

This legislation streamlines the claims process for workers in eligible occupations who require support or compensation for a mental injury suffered as a result of trauma experienced while on the job. The presumption of injury means that the formal diagnosis of a mental disorder is presumed to be a reaction to traumatic events arising from a worker's employment, rather than employees having to prove the connection before they can receive support.

For further information about this and other programs and services offered by BCNU, check out the Illness and Disability page on our website, or reach out to your steward or regional chair.

* On September 1, 2020, BC College of Nursing Professional (BCCNP) amalgamated with the Midwives of British Columbia (CMBC) to become BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).