In 2023 the Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to conduct a study to identify changes to improve the experiences and outcomes of employees with work related PTSD. This is a separate law from HF1234 and is not directly related to our opposition to that legislation. Instead we see this as a real opportunity to get your story told and heard in a meaningful way and may lead to MNDDA becoming a stakeholder in future study’s and legislative efforts. This DLI study will likely be used to influence and shape work related PTSD legislation and policy. As part of this study DLI is requesting feedback on your experiences with work related PTSD.

Many of us had less than helpful if not negative experiences with dealing with PTSD at many levels including pre-diagnosis, PERA certification, and post employment/separation phases and dealing with multiple entities including your former employing agency or PERA. Even if you did not have a negative experience you can provide valuable feedback and offer explanations as to what worked well for you and where there could be room for improvement. We asked them to listen and the state is now offering us that opportunity, lets take advantage of it.

If you are a Minnesota Duty Disabled First Responder with a PTSD diagnosis we ask that you go to the MN DLI website (click this link or use the button below), read the information provided so you have a full understanding of this study, it’s purpose, and scope. You can then click the link to complete the Worker’s Compensation PTSD Policy Form. When you complete the form please make sure you enter “Minnesota Duty Disabled Association (MNDDA)” under “What is your organization name”. We would like the state to recognize that MNDDA represents a large number of affected former employees and invite us to participate directly in policy and legislative efforts.

Please give this serious consideration and provide honest and thoughtful feedback. In as much as we ask for recognition and to be taken seriously, it is critical that we should be willing to provide our experiences and perspectives when our input is asked for.