Bill > S1730

This bill aims to strengthen critical incident stress management for emergency service providers by modifying existing law to provide clearer definitions and expand protection for more types of emergency personnel. The bill revises the definition of "crisis intervention" to specifically describe it as immediate short-term psychological care provided by a certified emergency service provider after a critical incident. It updates the definition of "critical incident stress management" to emphasize assistance for individuals or groups coping with psychological stress or trauma from emergency responses. The bill also expands the list of covered emergency service providers to include corrections officers, police dispatchers, and 911 operators, in addition to existing categories like firefighters and police officers. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies language around referrals and psychological support, ensuring that both individual and group interventions are explicitly covered. These changes are designed to provide more comprehensive mental health support for emergency service providers who are exposed to potentially traumatic situations in the course of their professional duties, recognizing the significant psychological challenges they may face.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1730