Ohio bill would provide PTSD disability for first responders

An Ohio lawmaker introduced legislation Wednesday that would provide disability coverage for first responders for post-traumatic stress disorder without an accompanying physical injury.

S.B. 384 would revise state code to create an exception for peace officers, firefighters or emergency medical technician diagnosed by a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist as having PTSD to receive disability payments if they are unable to work for up to one year, with an additional year under the recommendation of the psychiatrist or psychologist.

The bill would also create a PTSD fund, and require employers of peace officers, firefighters or EMTs to contribute to the fund annually.

The legislation did not include a date for when it would take effect if signed into law.