MD SB173

Establishes hypertension as a separate occupational disease presumption for firefighters, fire fighting instructors, rescue squad members, advanced life support unit members, and Office of the State Fire Marshal members (both paid and volunteer)

Defines hypertension for workers' compensation purposes as blood pressure readings exceeding 140 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic, based on the 2022 NFPA 1582 Standard for fire department medical programs

Requires the individual to have used prescribed medication to treat hypertension for at least 90 consecutive days to qualify for the presumption

Volunteer personnel must have met a suitable standard of physical examination before becoming a firefighter, instructor, or rescue/life support member to qualify

Takes effect October 1, 2025