CPF

CPF Measure Adds MRSA to Presumptive Disease List

 

Assm. Karen Bass (D - Los Angeles)
Speaker of the Assembly

Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D - Los Angeles) has introduced CPF-sponsored legislation that would add Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to the list of existing disputable presumptions that are afforded to public safety personnel for workers' compensation purposes.  Specifically, AB 2754, clarifies that when a firefighter or other specified public safety officer contracts MRSA it is presumed to have been contracted in the course of his or her employment or service. 

MRSA is an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria - often called "staph," and is typically spread among people who have close contact with individuals who are infected.  However, transmission can also occur through indirect contact, such as touching towels, sheets, wound dressings, clothes, or workout equipment that has been contaminated by the skin of a person who is infected. 

By the nature of their profession, firefighters are in constant danger of being directly exposed to many infectious diseases, including MRSA, and indirectly through contact with various pieces of equipment and clothing.  Firefighters are housed in close quarters, where a lot of objects are shared, and unfortunately taking every precaution can not eliminate the job-related threat that MRSA poses.

AB 2754 would clarify that when a public safety officer, including a firefighter, contracts MRSA, it is presumed to have been in the course of his or her employment or service.  And therefore, add it to the list of existing disputable presumptions afforded public safety personnel for workers' compensation purposes.

AB 2754 was approved by the Assembly Insurance Committee, 6 to 3, and was recently released from the Assembly Appropriations Suspense File by a vote of 12 to 5.  AB 2754 was recently approved by entire Assembly, 73 to 0, and is now in the Senate, where is has was recently approved by the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee, 3 to 1, and the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, 4 to 1.  AB 2754 was recently approved by the entire Senate, 30 to 9, and is now headed to the Governor for final approval.