Bill > H2533

This bill establishes a presumptive disability retirement provision for full-time uniformed members of police, fire, municipal emergency medical services, correction, and court officer departments. Under this legislation, if an employee contracts a contagious disease that could result from exposure to blood or body fluids (excluding the common cold) and they passed a physical examination upon entry into service that did not reveal the condition, the disease will be presumed to have been contracted in the line of duty. To qualify, the employee must have served at least five years and regularly responded to service calls. The bill specifically includes Hepatitis A, B, and C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and other contagious diseases determined by the Department of Public Health to have a statistically significant correlation with these service professions. The presumption can be challenged if there is evidence that non-service connected risk factors or accidents caused the condition. If an employee discovers the condition within five years of their last active service, they can apply for benefits retroactive to their last date of regular compensation. The bill does not prevent employees from applying for other existing benefits and is designed to provide additional protection and support for first responders who may be exposed to health risks in the course of their professional duties.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2533