Call or email us anytime
(805) 484-0333
Search Guide
Today is Thursday, March 28, 2024 -

News Articles

Governor Signs PTSD Bill for Some First Responders

  • State: Connecticut
  • Topic: NORTH
  • - Popular with: Insurance
  • -  0 shares

Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 164, making mental stress compensable for some — but not all — first responders.

“First responders dedicate their lives to the safety of our neighborhoods, and we owe it to them to be there when the actions they took to protect others causes injuries to themselves — regardless of whether those injuries are physical or mental,” Lamont said at a signing ceremony Wednesday, according to a news release. “Modern scientific research is showing the immense impact that mental health issues can have on a person, and our statutes should reflect that.”

The bill, which was prompted by the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, makes post-traumatic stress disorder compensable for police officers, firefighters and some parole officers. The workers must experience at least one of six types of traumatic events listed in the new law, and must be diagnosed by a mental health professional. It took effect upon signing.

Ambulance workers spoke out this week about bill, miffed that it does not cover all emergency medical technicians. EMTs and ambulance workers employed by a fire department are covered, but other EMTs are excluded.

An amendment introduced in the final days of the legislature would have extended PTSD coverage to all EMTs, but lawmakers agreed instead to another amendment, which requires a committee to study coverage for the other first responders or correctional officers.

No Comments

Log in to post a comment

Close


Do not post libelous remarks. You are solely responsible for the postings you input. By posting here you agree to hold harmless and indemnify WorkCompCentral for any damages and actions your post may cause.

Advertisements

Upcoming Events

  • May 13-15, 2024

    NCCI's Annual Insights Symposi

    Join us May 13–15, 2024, for NCCI's Annual Insights Symposium (AIS) 2024, the industry’s premier e …

  • Jul 29 – Aug 2, 2024

    76th Annual SAWCA Convention

    SAVE THE DATE! 76th Annual SAWCA Convention July 29 – August 2, 2024 Hotel Effie Sandestin 1 Grand …

  • Aug 14-17, 2024

    CSIMS 2024 Annual Dual Track C

    California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery (CSIMS) is combining its two conferences, PI …

Workers' Compensation Events

Social Media Links


WorkCompCentral
c/o Business Insurance Holdings, Inc.
PO Box 1010
Greenwich, CT 06836
(805) 484-0333