FL H0629

Revises the evidentiary standard for mental or nervous injuries in first responders from "clear and convincing evidence" to "preponderance of the evidence" when the injury manifests from a compensable physical injury.

Removes the restriction that only medical benefits are payable for mental or nervous injuries unaccompanied by physical injury, allowing first responders to receive indemnity benefits under sections 440.15 and 440.16 even without accompanying physical injury.

Eliminates the 1-percent limitation on permanent psychiatric impairment benefits for first responders and removes temporary benefit limitations under section 440.093.

Establishes that adverse results from smallpox vaccination of first responders are deemed work-related injuries arising out of employment.

Takes effect July 1, 2018, and applies to firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and law enforcement officers employed by state or local government.