HB 2492 Summary

• Establishes a presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a compensable occupational disease for first responders who receive licensed counseling and are diagnosed with PTSD by a licensed mental health professional due to job duties.

• Defines "first responder" to include peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and public safety telecommunicators employed by the state or political subdivisions.

• Expands the traumatic event counseling program under section 38-672 to provide up to 12 visits of licensed counseling for public safety employees exposed to specified traumatic events, with up to 36 additional visits if a mental health professional determines they are needed.

• Prohibits employers from requiring public safety telecommunicators receiving counseling to undergo independent medical examinations or use accrued paid leave for treatment visits, and requires continued pay and benefits if unfit to return to work during counseling.

• Extends the workers' compensation claim filing deadline by one year for employees currently receiving licensed counseling, measured from the date of their last counseling visit.

• Officially names the act the "Officer Craig Tiger Act."