Governor's COVID-19 Order for First Responders Still Requires Causal Relationship

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson released an executive order Tuesday that he said would make it easier for first responders and health workers to qualify for benefits if diagnosed with COVID-19. At his press briefing Tuesday, Hutchinson said the order allows first responders and other frontline workers to file workers' compensation claims “if there's a causal relationship between COVID-19, catching the virus, and their work responsibilities.” State law already allows compensation for occupational diseases if a causal relationship between the occupation and the disease is esta...