This bill proposes significant updates to Arizona's workers' compensation statutes by introducing new definitions, such as "first responder" and "public safety telecommunicator," and expanding the scope of occupational diseases to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for first responders, contingent upon receiving licensed counseling and a diagnosis from a mental health professional. It also modifies existing language by replacing "policemen" with "peace officers" and clarifies compensation structures for volunteer firefighters and peace officers, ensuring they are recognized as employees for compensation purposes.

Additionally, the bill repeals outdated provisions and adjusts the timeline for filing claims related to occupational diseases, particularly for those receiving licensed counseling. It mandates employer coverage for additional counseling visits for public safety telecommunicators and prohibits the requirement of independent medical examinations or the use of accrued leave for treatment. The bill extends the timeline for program visit requirements from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2026, increasing the minimum number of visits from six to twelve per year for public safety employees. It also repeals a previous law and designates the act as the "Officer Craig Tiger Act," aiming to modernize the language and requirements surrounding public safety personnel and their access to necessary services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-901, 23-901.01, 23-901.04, 23-901.05, 23-901.09, 23-1061, 23-1105, 23-1106, 38-672, 41-1715, 23-1041, 35-192.01, 26-314, 17-214, 9-500.47, 36-2201, 23-1043.01, 23-908, 23-1044, 23-1045, 23-1046, 23-1065, 23-947, 23-941