Bill > SB173

This bill modifies Maryland's workers' compensation law to create a new presumption for hypertension as an occupational disease specifically for firefighters, fire fighting instructors, rescue squad members, advanced life support unit members, and members of the State Fire Marshal's office. Under the new provisions, an individual can be deemed to have a compensable occupational disease if they have hypertension and meet specific medical criteria, including blood pressure readings that exceed 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 personnel, an additional requirement is that they must have passed a suitable physical examination before becoming a member of the emergency services. This presumption means that if these specific emergency services workers develop hypertension, it will be presumed to be job-related and eligible for workers' compensation benefits, which shifts the burden of proof from the employee to the employer. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these new occupational disease presumption rules.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0173?ys=2025RS