Signed by Governor Mike DeWine

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes workers' compensation and disability retirement for first responders with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Highlights:

• Authorizes a disability benefit for employees with PTSD without an accompanying physical injury (Sec. 145.364).

• Defines “employee” as the following persons when responding to an inherently dangerous situation that calls for an immediate response on the part of the person, on the condition that the person responds to the situation as the person otherwise would if they were on duty in their jurisdiction (Sec. 4123.01):

• Off-duty peace officers; 

• Off-duty firefighters; and

• Off duty emergency medical workers of an ambulance service organization or emergency medical service organization.

• Specifies that “injury” does not include psychiatric conditions, except as follows (Sec. 4123.01):

• Where the claimant’s psychiatric conditions have arisen from an injury or occupational disease sustained;

• Where the claimant’s psychiatric conditions have arisen from sexual conduct in which the claimant was forced by threat of physical harm to engage in or participate; or

• Where the claimant is a peace officer; firefighter, or emergency medical worker and is diagnosed with PTSD arisen out of, the claimant’s employment.

Full Bill Text