FL S0376

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist becomes a compensable occupational disease for first responders under workers' compensation, without requiring a physical injury to the worker.

PTSD is compensable only when resulting from employment duties and caused by specific triggering events including witnessing deaths of minors, homicides, suicides involving grievous bodily harm, or physically treating/transporting injured persons who subsequently died.

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

Benefits are not subject to apportionment for preexisting PTSD, temporary benefit limitations under section 440.093, or the 1-percent cap on permanent psychiatric impairment benefits.

Employing agencies must provide educational training to first responders (including volunteers) on mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation, and treatment, effective October 1, 2018.