Rhode Island lawmakers consider PTSD presumption

The Rhode Island General Assembly read through a proposal Friday that would make post-traumatic stress disorder compensable for first responders.

H. 6010 would extend disability benefits to police officers and firefighters suffering from post-traumatic stress injuries and would provide those retiring due to a mental injury an accidental disability retirement allowance.

The measure would pertain to a PTSD diagnosis “related to the exposure of potentially traumatic events resulting from a police officer or firefighter acting within the course of their employment or from the rendering of emergency assistance … at any occurrence involving the protection or the rescue of human life while off-duty.”

The bill was sent to committee.