AB 597: Workers’ compensation: first responders: post-traumatic stress.

Existing law establishes a workers compensation system, administered by the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers Compensation, to compensate an employee for injuries sustained in the course of employment. Existing law provides, until January 1, 2025, 2029, that, for certain state and local firefighting personnel and peace officers, the term injury includes post-traumatic stress that develops or manifests during a period in which the injured person is in the service of the department or unit. Existing law requires the compensation awarded pursuant to this provision to include full hospital, surgical, medical treatment, disability indemnity, and death benefits.

This bill would, for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2024, 2025, make that provision applicable to emergency medical technicians and paramedics, as defined.