This bill amends the existing workers' compensation law to establish a presumption that acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emergency responders are occupationally caused. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that creates a prima facie presumption for these conditions, which means that it will be assumed they are work-related unless proven otherwise. The bill also modifies the existing legal framework by deleting references to RSA 281-A:16, which previously governed the determination of the date of injury for other conditions.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the "date of injury" for claims related to ASD and PTSD will now align with the provisions for determining the date of injury for occupational diseases or cumulative trauma, as outlined in RSA 281-A:16. This change aims to provide clarity and consistency in how these claims are processed, ensuring that emergency responders receive appropriate support for mental health conditions resulting from their work. 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