Bill would include 911 workers in mental injury and stress service rules

The bill would include public safety communications personnel in the first-responder definition used in this workers’ compensation section. The definition covers 911 operators, emergency dispatchers, and employees of an organization that employs them. For mental injuries without physical injuries, the employee must prove unusual work conditions and medical causation through a mental health professional. Until January 1, 2028, a first responder may use the temporary initial-evidence process only by meeting its listed requirements, including participating in resilience training and updating it at least annually. The temporary initial-evidence process applies until January 1, 2028.

The bill would make critical-incident stress services available and provided to public safety communications personnel under the Critical Incident Stress Management Act. This covers 911 operators, emergency dispatchers, and employees of an organization that employs them. The incident must occur while the worker is doing their job or at their worksite. The services apply to incidents that occur during job duties or at the worksite.