Bill > A4512

Introduced Session

This bill requires every case of attempted suicide or death by suicide by a first responder to be reported to the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services in the Department of Human Services. The Office of the Surgeon General of the United States has highlighted suicide as a significant public health problem. In 2019, there were 47,500 suicide fatalities and an estimated 1.4 million suicide attempts. First responders are at an especially elevated risk of suicide because of the environment in which they work and the stressors they face. Additionally, stressors are magnified during times of emergency, impacting the mental and physical health of the first responder more severely. EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than members of the public. Data on deaths among first responders is also likely to be under-reported because of perceived stigma and concerns over impact on employment. To begin to understand and address this problem, the Division of Mental Health Services within the Department of Human Services will maintain a database of all attempts and deaths by suicide of first responders without identifying any individual involved. Additionally, the director will issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature of the data compiled, including aggregate demographic information about first responders who attempt or commit suicide.

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Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee (on 09/22/2022)

Official Document