This bill amends the existing workers' compensation law to establish a prima facie presumption that acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emergency responders are occupationally caused. Specifically, it modifies RSA 281-A:17-c by inserting a new provision that states this presumption applies notwithstanding certain existing statutes, including RSA 281-A:2, XI and XIII, and RSA 281-A:27, while deleting reference to RSA 281-A:16.

Additionally, the bill clarifies how the "date of injury" is determined for emergency responders suffering from acute stress disorder or PTSD. It inserts a provision that specifies the date of injury will be governed by the same rules that apply to occupational diseases or cumulative trauma under RSA 281-A:16. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines for workers' compensation claims related to mental health issues faced by emergency responders. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, on August 9, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 281-A:17-c
Version adopted by both bodies: 281-A:17-c
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 281-A:17-c