WCB Nova Scotia is preparing to support new legislation that enables coverage for gradual onset psychological injury (GPI), starting on September 1.
This is an historic time for us and the first time in decades that a new injury type has been added as compensable under the Workers’ Compensation Act of Nova Scotia.
Patients may have questions about how to access WCB services for GPI. Here are some things you should be aware of about the new service we’re offering, and we hope it can help you advise your patients:
- Workers can open a GPI claim by calling us directly. When they call to make a claim inquiry, they are assigned to a Client Care Navigator who will help them assess whether what they are experiencing is this new, compensable type of injury, and put them in touch with free mental health services in their community, even before the claim is accepted.
- Our new, dedicated team of specialists will evaluate and manage claims, specific to gradual onset psychological injury.
- A self-assessment tool will be available on our website wcb.ns.ca/gpi by September 1, 2024 to provide guidance on whether what someone is experiencing is a gradual onset psychological injury.
- To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for GPI, the following criteria must be met:
- The injury must be wholly or predominantly caused by a significant work-related stressor or series of stressors, such as harassment or bullying. Interpersonal conflicts or actions and decisions of the employer relating to the worker’s employment are not considered stressors under the legislation.
- The worker must have a DSM diagnosis from a registered psychiatrist or psychologist. If they do not have a diagnosis, the WCB will help with access to mental health services through a new contract with expert providers. Obtaining a DSM diagnosis should not be a barrier to workers who are being impacted, and we would encourage them to reach out to us for assistance.
While GPI claims can be more complex, best practice for a healthy and safe recovery is through maintaining a connection to work, whenever possible. Our Client Care Navigators will use their trauma-informed training to explore stay-at-work and return-to-work options from the first phone call.
WCB’s Health Services team is always available to answer any questions you may have and our website (wcb.ns.ca/gpi) is a great source of information.