Bill > H2654

This bill aims to enhance critical incident stress management (CISM) for emergency service providers by updating definitions and expanding the scope of support services. The bill modifies existing law to more clearly define "crisis intervention" as immediate short-term psychological care provided by a certified emergency service provider after a critical incident, and "critical incident stress management" as a program designed to help emergency service providers cope with psychological stress or trauma. The bill broadens the list of covered emergency service providers to explicitly include corrections officers, police dispatchers, and 911 operators, in addition to previously mentioned professions like firefighters and police officers. The legislation also clarifies that CISM support can be provided to both individuals and groups, ensuring more comprehensive mental health resources for those who regularly face high-stress and potentially traumatic work environments. By making these definitional and scope changes, the bill seeks to provide more robust psychological support for emergency service providers who are frequently exposed to challenging and emotionally demanding situations in their line of work.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2654