Bill > S1637

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 32 of the General Laws to create a presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed in certain public safety and correctional employees is caused by their line of duty work, unless it can be shown to be caused by non-work related factors. The bill defines PTSD and "mental health professional" for the purposes of this provision. Employees eligible include full-time uniformed members of police, fire, and emergency medical services, as well as certain correctional and airport employees. The presumption applies if the employee passed a physical exam on entry that did not reveal the PTSD condition, and benefits would be retroactive to the employee's last day of regular compensation. The presumption would not apply if the PTSD results from disciplinary action or other personnel decisions taken in good faith by the employer.