The bill amends RCW 51.32.185 to remove specific qualifiers related to the presumption of occupational disease for heart problems among firefighters and law enforcement officers. It establishes a prima facie presumption that heart problems, respiratory diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases are occupational diseases without the previous requirement that these conditions be experienced within certain timeframes after exposure to smoke, fumes, or strenuous physical exertion. Additionally, the bill modifies the number of firefighters required for certain provisions from "fifty" to "50" and extends the presumption of occupational disease for posttraumatic stress disorder to those who have served at least 10 years.

Furthermore, the bill creates an advisory committee on occupational disease presumptions to review scientific evidence and recommend additional diseases for inclusion under this section. The committee will consist of experts in epidemiology and preventive medicine, and it is tasked with providing recommendations to the legislature within 180 days of a request. The act is officially titled the Erik Shouse Memorial Act.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 51.32.185