Bill > HF1118

This bill revises the provisions for posttraumatic stress syndrome benefits for peace officers in Minnesota, expanding the definition of who qualifies and how they can receive support. The bill broadens the definition of a "mental health professional" who can diagnose posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), replacing the previous requirement of specifically a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist. It also significantly expands the definition of a "traumatic event" to include a wider range of experiences, such as directly experiencing or witnessing threats of death, serious injury, or sexual violence, learning about violent or accidental deaths of close family members or friends, and experiencing repeated exposure to traumatic details. The bill maintains the existing benefits of up to one year of wage replacement and medical treatment expenses, but clarifies that the medical treatment is aimed at aiding in treatment, management, and alleviation of PTSD. The bill also specifies that work-related exposure through electronic media does not constitute a traumatic event, and defines a "debilitating psychological reaction" as a condition that causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

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https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1118&ssn=0&y=2025