Bill > A01589

This bill introduces a new article to the mental hygiene law that establishes comprehensive mental health protections for law enforcement officers and emergency medical services personnel. The bill defines these professionals broadly, including firefighters, police officers, sheriff's deputies, and other uniformed service workers who maintain public safety. It mandates pre-employment mental health screenings and ongoing mental health evaluations to monitor these workers' psychological well-being. Critically, the bill creates a legal presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is job-related for these professionals if diagnosed by a qualified medical professional and not previously identified in initial medical screenings. While this presumption can be challenged in court with evidence that the PTSD resulted from activities outside of work, it provides a significant benefit by shifting the burden of proof. The bill also requires employers to provide medical treatment for PTSD as a job-related condition, with a mechanism for reimbursement if the job-relatedness is ultimately disproven. This legislation aims to recognize the psychological toll of high-stress public service professions and provide medical and legal support for workers experiencing mental health challenges directly related to their work.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1589