Indiana lawmakers are again considering a bill to assist first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
H.B. 1118, slated to be read Monday, would establish a state-funded first responders mental health wellness fund and program. The fund would provide up to 10 days of compensation and mental health services for first responders diagnosed with PTSD who do not qualify for workers compensation.
Current state law requires that a first responder also suffer from a physical injury to qualify for mental health services. H.B. 1118 would only require a PTSD diagnosis and proof that the first responder had attended to a “qualified critical incident,” defined to include witnessing death or a serious injury.
The Indiana legislature considered similar legislation in 2023.
This article was first published in Business Insurance.
