FL H0211

Employing agencies of first responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics) must pay for up to 12 hours of licensed counseling for those who experience qualifying traumatic events on duty, such as witnessing the death of a minor, a homicide, a suicide, or grievous bodily harm that shocks the conscience.

If a qualified 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, with all counseling to be completed within 1 year of the first visit.

Employing agencies are prohibited from requiring first responders to use accrued leave for counseling sessions scheduled during regular work hours, and first responders may select their own qualified professional unless an approved list has been established through collective bargaining.

Employer payment for licensed counseling does not create a presumption that the first responder suffered a compensable occupational disease, and employing agencies may not access the first responder's medical records from the counseling without the first responder's written authorization.

Effective date is July 1, 2024, amending sections 112.1815 and 112.18155, Florida Statutes, and expanding the definition of "qualified professional" beyond licensed psychiatrists to include physicians, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, clinical social workers, and advanced practice registered nurses.