PTSI Legislation
Idaho First Responders, their families, Legislators, and supporters of first responders from both sides of the aisle, came together to lead the way in taking care of our Everyday Heroes. Senate Bill 1028 addressed the much needed coverage for first responders to be eligible under the State Worker’s Compensation Plan for Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) claims.
Idaho SB 1028: “RELATING TO WORKER'S COMPENSATION; AMENDING SECTION 72-451, IDAHO CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURIES AFFECTING FIRST RESPONDERS SHALL BE COMPENSABLE.”
SB 1028 was signed into law by Governor Brad Little, and took effect on July 1, 2019.
Previously, first responders in Idaho were only allowed to file a worker’s compensation claim for PTSI/PTSD if it accompanied a physical injury. The state law NOW allows for a Mental Health claim, not just a Mental/Physical claim. The law covers police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers as well as volunteer first responders.
Congratulations Idaho
In the Spring of 2023 Idaho Law Makers again came together to make the PTSI Legislation permanent! By passing legislation to remove the 'sunset clause', this important piece of legal support will continue to provide needed access to resources for our first responders across Idaho.
Image courtesy of Macey Snelson Photography