FL S0516

Deletes restrictions limiting workers' compensation benefits for first responders with mental or nervous injuries that are not accompanied by physical injuries.

Makes mental or nervous injuries compensable for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics if diagnosed as posttraumatic stress disorder by a licensed psychiatrist using DSM-5 criteria and arising from employment activities.

Removes the requirement that mental or nervous injuries must be accompanied by physical injury requiring medical treatment in order to receive indemnity benefits for first responders.

Eliminates the 1 percent limitation on permanent psychiatric impairment benefits and the 6-month limitation on temporary benefits for first responders with compensable mental or nervous injuries.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.