Lawmakers consider PTSD presumption for first responders

Lawmakers in Alabama are among the latest to propose amending workers compensation code to allow benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder for first responders.

Pre-filed on Thursday, H.B. 44 aims to further define occupational diseases for first responders to include mental injuries, which under current law are compensable in workers comp if the mental injury is accompanied by a physical one, according to a legislative summary made public this week.

The bill would apply to law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency dispatchers, and emergency medical technicians of an emergency services agency or entity.

The bill was referred to the House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means General Fund. It would become effective three months following the governor’s signature.