CT SB00164

Expands workers' compensation coverage for mental or emotional impairments of police officers, parole officers, and firefighters, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from qualifying events occurring on or after July 1, 2019.

Defines qualifying events for PTSD coverage as witnessing death or serious injury, viewing deceased minors, or witnessing traumatic physical injuries resulting in permanent disfigurement, occurring in the line of duty.

Protects police officers from discharge, discipline, or penalization for seeking mental health care services or surrendering firearms during treatment, with law enforcement units required to pay for fitness-for-duty examinations by mental health professionals.

Requires law enforcement units, Department of Correction, fire departments, and fire marshals to adopt written policies on mental health support, provide peer support services, and ensure resilience and self-care training for new officers and firefighters by July 1, 2020.

Limits PTSD benefits to 52 weeks from diagnosis and 4 years from the qualifying event, with combined weekly benefits capped at average weekly wage; restricts treatment to board-certified psychiatrists or licensed psychologists.