HI HB263

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and law enforcement officers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder incurred it in the course of employment, making them eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

Requires diagnosis by a licensed mental health professional, including psychologists, board certified/eligible psychiatrists, or advanced practice registered nurses with psychiatric certification.

Defines post-traumatic stress disorder as meeting American Psychiatric Association diagnostic criteria (DSM-5 or later) and resulting in impairment of functioning in community, employment, family, school, or social settings.

Allows the presumption to be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence that the post-traumatic stress disorder was not incurred in the course of employment.

Takes effect July 1, 2019, and does not apply to claims based on injuries occurring before the effective date.