Streamlining Nurse PTSD Benefits in Alberta: Simplified Process for Eligibility
Alberta Government Extends Presumptive Coverage for Nurses' PTSD
The Alberta government has made it easier for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses to get benefits for job-related stress disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In a significant policy change, the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) will now automatically presume a nurse's PTSD diagnosis is work-related unless there is evidence proving otherwise. This means that nurses no longer have to prove their PTSD was caused by work to access benefits, enabling faster acceptance and access to WCB benefits after experiencing workplace trauma.
This policy change comes after an Order-in-Council passed on July 23, 2025, and extends similar coverage already available to other first responders such as police, firefighters, and paramedics. It applies not only to registered nurses and psychiatric nurses but also to graduate and undergraduate nurses.
In addition, psychological injuries other than PTSD will be presumed work-related if a traumatic workplace event is established, unless a non-work cause is demonstrated.
The change addresses previous barriers nurses faced in receiving compensation for psychological injuries from workplace trauma. It is important to note that psychological injury claims in Alberta still require meeting specific criteria related to traumatic or chronic stress events to be accepted. Claims not meeting these criteria may still be denied, as has been demonstrated in other worker appeals unrelated to nurses.
However, the new rule significantly eases the claim process for nurses with PTSD by shifting the initial burden of proof to the WCB. This change is expected to provide much-needed support to nurses who have faced workplace trauma and help ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.
Meanwhile, other news from across the country includes:
- A Canadian family claims their son with autism was kicked out of an ER for being loud and disruptive.
- Dartmouth retirement home knitters are making "worry bears" for children.
- The government has launched an audit of the vaccine injury program.
- West Nile virus has been found in certain areas.
- Coca-Cola is launching a cane sugar soda in the U.S. this fall.
It's worth noting that Okanagan Lake has the highest number of drownings in British Columbia, and the coverage for job-related stress disorder and PTSD is also offered to first responders such as police, firefighters, emergency medical workers, and correctional officers.
[1] Alberta Government Press Release, "Alberta Government Extends Presumptive Coverage for PTSD to Nurses," July 23, 2025. [2] Alberta Government, "Workers' Compensation Board," [website], accessed August 1, 2025. [3] Alberta Workers' Compensation Board, "PTSD Claims," [website], accessed August 1, 2025. [4] Alberta Government, "Nurses," [website], accessed August 1, 2025. [5] Alberta Government, "PTSD and Mental Health," [website], accessed August 1, 2025.
- The Alberta government's extension of presumptive coverage for PTSD to nurses is a step towards prioritizing health-and-wellness in the workplace-wellness sector, especially for mental health concerns.
- This policy change, as applied to registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, and graduate/undergraduate nurses, aligns with the government's wider initiatives to address mental health issues among first responders in various fields, including science and emergency services.
