Assembly Bill 158 proposes amendments to the conditions of liability for workers' compensation benefits specifically for emergency medical responders, emergency medical services practitioners, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers, coroners, and medical examiners diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill removes the requirement for these individuals to demonstrate that their PTSD diagnosis is based on "unusual stress of greater dimensions than the day-to-day emotional strain" that all employees experience, aligning their claims process with that of law enforcement officers and full-time firefighters. Additionally, it establishes that these workers can receive compensation for PTSD diagnoses up to three times in their lifetime, regardless of changes in employment.

The bill also includes several definitions and clarifications, such as renaming "fire fighter" to "firefighter" and creating specific definitions for correctional officers, emergency medical responders, emergency medical services practitioners, and medicolegal investigation staff members. The introductory language of the statute is amended to include these new definitions, ensuring that the workers' compensation claims process is consistent across these professions. The changes are set to take effect with the approval of new rates for workers' compensation insurance by the commissioner of insurance.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 102.17(9)(b)(intro.), 102.17