Bill > HB217

This bill modifies workers' compensation laws to create a presumption of occupational disease for firefighters, rescue squad members, and advanced life support unit members specifically related to hypertension. Under the new provisions, these workers (both paid and volunteer) are presumed to have suffered an occupational disease if they meet certain medical criteria: they have blood pressure readings exceeding 140/90 mm Hg as defined by the 2022 National Fire Protection Association 1582 Standard, and have been required to use prescribed hypertension medication for at least 90 consecutive days. For volunteer workers, an additional requirement is that they must have passed a suitable physical examination before becoming a firefighter, rescue squad member, or advanced life support unit member. This presumption means that if these workers become disabled due to hypertension, they would be more easily eligible for workers' compensation benefits, shifting the burden of proof away from the worker to demonstrate that the condition was work-related. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these new occupational disease provisions.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0217?ys=2025RS