Helping Heroes Act; create to provide support to first responders and public EMS personnel diagnosed with PTSD.
The legislation stipulates that up to $7,500 annually can be allocated for mental health treatment and paid time off for eligible personnel. The funding for these services will come from insurance premium tax revenues collected by the state, which creates a dedicated fund named the 'Helping Heroes Act Fund'. This fund will be managed by the Department of Revenue, and it outlines specific reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the usage of funds for supporting first responders diagnosed with PTSD.
House Bill 1270, known as the 'Helping Heroes Act', establishes a framework to support first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and public EMS personnel, who are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during their normal duties. The bill allows these individuals to opt for reimbursement for paid mental health services and provides up to thirty days of paid time off as an alternative to pursuing workers' compensation benefits. This initiative is meant to address the mental health challenges faced by those in emergency response roles, recognizing the unique stresses and traumas that these professionals encounter.
There may be contention around the perceived limitations regarding the nature of PTSD diagnoses that are compensable under this act. Specifically, the bill specifies that a PTSD diagnosis resulting solely from legitimate personnel actions, such as a transfer or promotion, will not be considered a compensable injury. This provision could be a point of debate as it outlines clear boundaries on what constitutes a work-related PTSD diagnosis, potentially leaving some first responders without necessary support.
The implementation of the Helping Heroes Act is intended to foster a more supportive environment for first responders, promoting mental health awareness and providing necessary resources. This act reflects a growing recognition of the mental health crises affecting emergency service workers and aims to ensure they receive appropriate care when needed.