Florida First Responders PTSD Benefits Act

Florida PTSD Law, officially known as the "Florida First Responders PTSD Benefits Act," is a law that aims to provide workers' compensation benefits to first responders who might have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) because of their work.

The law was signed into effect on June 5, 2018, by Governor Rick Scott., and went into effect on October 1, 2018. It was developed as an answer to a growing awareness of the mental health challenges confronting first responders, including fire-fighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), who often experience traumatic events as part of their work.

Under the Florida PTSD Law, first responders who experience PTSD due to their job can now receive workers' compensation benefits without the need to prove that their PTSD is connected to a physical injury. This means that first responders who have experienced traumatic events on the job can now seek help and support without the burden of proving a direct physical injury due to the incident.

The law requires that first responders who wish to receive benefits must be diagnosed with PTSD by a licensed professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. The diagnosis must also be confirmed by the employer's or insurer's authorized medical provider.

The Florida PTSD Law provides a range of benefits for first responders diagnosed with PTSD, including:

• Benefits for medical care that can be used to cover the cost of treatment, medication, and other related expenses.

• Disability benefits to compensate for lost wages due to the inability to perform as a result of PTSD.

• Death compensations for the families of first responders who die due to PTSD.

The Florida PTSD Law represents an important step towards recognizing the mental health needs of first responders and providing them with the support they need to recover from PTSD. By removing the need for a direct physical injury, the law aims to make it easier for first responders to seek help and treatment for PTSD, ultimately improving their overall mental health and well-being.