CS/CS/CS/HB 227 Summary

• First responders (firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and law enforcement officers) are entitled to workers' compensation benefits for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist when caused by specific traumatic events encountered during employment.

• Qualifying traumatic events include witnessing deaths or severe injuries to minors, seeing deceased persons with grievous bodily harm, witnessing homicides or suicides, and participating in treatment or transport of fatally injured persons.

• PTSD benefits do not require physical injury to the first responder, are not subject to apportionment for preexisting conditions, have no temporary benefit limitations, and are not subject to the 1-percent permanent psychiatric impairment cap.

• Claims must be properly noticed within 52 weeks of the qualifying event or disorder manifestation, whichever is later, and the disorder must be demonstrated by clear and convincing medical evidence.

• Employing agencies must provide educational training to first responders on mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation, and treatment; the Department of Financial Services must adopt rules defining grievous bodily harm.

• Effective date: October 1, 2018.