This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code concerning worker's compensation and introduces a new definition for "member of an employer's family." The new definition expands the scope to include individuals related to the employer by blood, adoption, or marriage within the first degree of consanguinity, as well as grandchildren. The bill also removes the previous, more limited definition of "member of an employer's family" from Section 72-212. Additionally, it updates various code references in Sections 9-203, 72-212, 72-438, and 72-451 to ensure accuracy and clarity in the language. The bill declares an emergency and sets an effective date for these changes, highlighting the urgency of implementing these amendments to improve the understanding and application of worker's compensation provisions in Idaho.

Moreover, the bill addresses the confidentiality of communications in professional contexts, particularly for first responders and mental health professionals. It establishes that communications made during peer support counseling sessions by first responders are confidential and cannot be disclosed without consent, except in specific situations such as threats of suicide or criminal acts. The bill also provides immunity for certificated counselors and psychologists in schools from disclosing student communications without consent, while protecting parents from being compelled to disclose communications made by their minor children, with certain exceptions. Additionally, it introduces provisions for compensating psychological injuries, specifically post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) for first responders, under defined conditions, thereby enhancing protections for sensitive communications and ensuring mental health support for those in high-stress roles.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 72-102, 72-212, 9-203, 72-438, 72-451