Regulators have begun filing bills for 2026, and in some states this includes bills that expand presumptions for certain health conditions and occupations, facilitating workers’ compensation eligibility for high-risk roles.

Illinois House Bill 4226 would expand a rebuttable presumptions currently available for certain medical first responders to hospital security guards who have completed at least five years of service. The presumption covers:

• Any condition or impairment of health of which results directly or indirectly from any bloodborne pathogen, including staph infection, lung or respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, or cancer
• Hernia
• Hearing loss

If enacted the bill would go into effect on January 1st of the following year.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2087 would extend workers’ compensation coverage to volunteer firefighters and EMTs injured during fundraising activities. If enacted, this bill would go into effect 60 days after enactment.

Washington Senate Bill 5882 would extend current PTSD presumptions to correctional facility workers and allow them to file claims up to five years post-employment. If enacted, this bill would go into effect January 1, 2027.

Expanded presumptions may affect the types of conditions covered under workers’ compensation, some of which involve medication management. Healthesystems monitors these changes to support appropriate medication therapy and compliance with state requirements.