Workers’ compensation: firefighters and peace officers: post-traumatic stress.
The bill includes provisions that allow individuals to receive full hospital, surgical, medical treatment, disability indemnity, and death benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries, starting from January 1, 2023. Notably, it establishes that these benefits extend up to five years post termination of service, effectively allowing for continued support for those who have served. Existing statutes limit these provisions to injuries occurring before January 1, 2025, which imposes a timeline for implementation and framework for compensation related to mental health issues arising from employment.
Senate Bill 284, introduced by Senator Stern, amends Section 3212.15 of the Labor Code to expand the definition of work-related injuries to include post-traumatic stress injuries for firefighters and peace officers. The bill aims to provide better mental health support for personnel working in high-stress environments like firefighting and law enforcement. By including a wider range of first responders—such as public safety dispatchers and emergency response communication employees—the legislation recognizes the mental toll associated with these professions and the importance of comprehensive workers’ compensation coverage for injuries that may arise from their duties.
The sentiment surrounding SB 284 is largely positive among advocates for emergency services personnel, emphasizing the necessity of mental health resources for first responders. Supporters argue that it recognizes the real psychological impacts of high-pressure jobs and provides essential support for those who serve the public. However, there may still be concerns among some policymakers regarding the implications of prolonged compensation claims on the state’s workers' compensation system.
While most discussions around SB 284 highlight its benefits, there are points of contention regarding the potential for abuse of the expanded injury classification and how it may affect the overall costs of the workers' compensation system. Lawmakers may express concerns about the adequacy of existing mental health resources and whether the state can effectively manage the increased demand for services that may arise from this legislation.