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FL H0169
Bill
Status
Failed
5/5/2023
Primary Sponsor
Vicki Lopez
Click for details
AI Summary
- Employing agencies of first responders, including volunteer first responders, must pay for up to 12 hours of licensed counseling for a first responder who experiences a qualifying traumatic event in the course of employment, with counseling available in person or via telehealth.
- If a licensed mental health professional determines additional counseling is needed and likely to improve the first responder's condition, the employing agency must pay for up to 24 additional hours, for a potential total of 36 hours.
- All authorized counseling hours must be completed within 1 year of the first responder's first visit, and the employing agency may not require the first responder to use accrued annual, vacation, personal, or sick leave for counseling scheduled during work hours.
- First responders may select their own licensed mental health professional (defined as a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist); if that professional declines, the employing agency must provide a list of other qualified professionals.
- Payment by the employing agency for counseling does not create a presumption that the first responder suffered a compensable occupational disease under Florida law.
Legislative Description
Licensed Counseling for First Responders
Last Action
Died in Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee
5/5/2023
Committee Referrals
Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee1/17/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available