The bill amends Section 45-19-1 of the General Laws, specifically addressing the treatment of police officers and firefighters diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their employment. It presumes that a PTSD diagnosis is an injury sustained in the line of duty, with exceptions for cases related to certain adverse job actions. The bill also details the benefits for emergency personnel incapacitated due to duty-related injuries or sickness, including salary, wages, benefits, and medical expenses, and defines the procedures for claiming these benefits. Additionally, it clarifies the definitions of various emergency roles and the submission process for a sworn declaration regarding the injury-causing event.

The bill further amends Section 45-21.2-9, clarifying the definitions of "aggravation," "reinjury," and introducing "occupational cancer" for firefighters. It mandates that applications for accidental disability retirement allowance be made within 18 months of the injury, with necessary documentation, and outlines the process for appealing retirement board decisions to the workers' compensation court. The bill includes provisions for cases where a member does not qualify for accidental disability retirement, specifying the options available to them. New legal language is inserted to reflect these changes, and the act would take effect upon passage, aiming to support police officers and firefighters with PTSI/PTSD.

Statutes affected:
7464  SUB A: 45-19-1, 45-21.2-9
7464: 45-19-1, 45-21.2-9