Lawmakers to Consider Making Lyme Disease an Occupational Illness

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | 0

Lawmakers in New York will for a second year consider making Lyme disease an occupational illness under workers’ compensation.

SB 3117, introduced Friday, states that Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases would also be considered disabilities if the worker is presumed to have caught the disease in the scope of employment.

Under the bill, workers who would qualify include those working in “[a]ny process involving outdoor activity or treatment of animals.” Lyme disease is typically compensable in most states if the worker can prove he contracted the illness on the job. Workers’ compensation experts have said the industry’s experience with claims is very limited.

A similar bill failed to gain traction in 2022. The latest was referred to a labor committee.

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