Signed by Governor Tom Wolf

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes a mental health Wellness and stress management program for emergency first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress injuries or traumatic brain injuries on the job.

Highlights:

• Establishes a Mental Wellness and Stress Management protocol for first responders that includes the following (Sec. 2):

• Education and training on traumatic brain injuries and traumatic stress;

• Responsibilities for public agencies and emergency responders who sustain a post-traumatic stress injury or traumatic brain injury arising from their work; and

• Provides remedial actions for public agencies in response to post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injuries.

• Establishes a peer-to-peer support program for all of the following issues (Sec. 2):

• Mental health issues, including treatment for post-traumatic stress injuries, traumatic brain injuries and depression;

• Alcohol and substance abuse, including treatment planning, recovery coaching and relapse prevention;

• Sexual abuse trauma;

• Workplace abuse;

• Co-occurring disorders; and

• Any other support service which the department deems necessary.

• Establishes a toll-free helpline at 866-1ST-HELP for any emergency responders dealing with mental health issues (Sec. 2).

• Requires signs to be posted at all sites where emergency responders serve displaying the emergency hotline (Sec. 2).

• Requires first responders to undergo a program of trauma and suicide awareness & impact training (Sec. 2).

• Appropriates 25 percent of the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund to the Catastrophic and Rehabilitation Fund for victims of trauma (Sec. 4).

• Establishes that Section 2 of this bill takes effect 180 days from this bill’s passage (Sec. 5).

• Establishes that the remainder of this bill takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text