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. Notably, it eliminates the requirement that heart problems must be experienced within a certain timeframe following exposure to smoke, fumes, or strenuous physical exertion. The bill establishes a prima facie presumption that heart problems, along with respiratory diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, are occupational diseases for covered firefighters and law enforcement officers. Additionally, it extends these presumptions to include posttraumatic stress disorder for those who have served at least ten years.

The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the advisory committee on occupational disease presumptions, which will review scientific evidence and make recommendations for additional diseases to be included under the presumption. The committee will consist of five voting members with expertise 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