NC H573

Amends North Carolina workers' compensation law to make posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a compensable occupational disease for first responders without requiring accompanying physical injury.

Defines "first responder" as law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics employed by state or local government, and volunteer firefighters meeting specified requirements.

PTSD is compensable when diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist and results from exposure to one of ten specified traumatic events, including witnessing death of minors, homicides, grievous bodily harm, suicides, or death of another first responder in the line of duty.

Claims must be noticed within 52 weeks after the qualifying event and must be supported by clear and convincing medical evidence.

Requires employing agencies of first responders to provide educational training on mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation, and treatment, effective July 1, 2019.