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FL H0993
Bill
Status
Failed
3/8/2024
Primary Sponsor
Jeff Holcomb
Click for details
AI Summary
- Expands the definition of "first responder" under s. 112.1815 to include correctional officers, 911 public safety telecommunicators, and federal law enforcement officers employed by state or local government, in addition to law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics
- Creates s. 112.18156 to make posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suffered by crime scene investigators a compensable occupational disease under workers' compensation when the disorder results from qualifying on-duty events such as directly witnessing a death, homicide, mass killing, death of a minor, or seeing a decedent in an advanced stage of decomposition
- Requires PTSD to be demonstrated by clear and convincing medical evidence and diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist either in person or through telehealth; also extends telehealth diagnosis authorization to correctional officers under existing s. 112.18155
- PTSD benefits for crime scene investigators do not require a physical injury and are exempt from apportionment for preexisting PTSD, limitations on temporary benefits, and the 1-percent cap on permanent psychiatric impairment benefits; claims must be noticed within 52 weeks of the qualifying event or diagnosis, whichever is later
- Requires employing agencies of crime scene investigators to provide mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation, and treatment training, and directs the Department of Financial Services to adopt rules specifying injuries qualifying as grievous bodily harm that shocks the conscience; effective July 1, 2024
Legislative Description
First Responders and Crime Scene Investigators
Last Action
Died in Insurance & Banking Subcommittee
3/8/2024
Committee Referrals
Insurance And Banking Subcommittee1/8/2024
Full Bill Text
No bill text available