Proposed Georgia Bill Aims to Support First Responders with PTSD Through Insurance and Salary Protection

Takeaways:

• Gwinnett County police officer Ashley Wilson is advocating for new legislation in Georgia that would help first responders receive treatment for PTSD without the requirement of a corresponding physical injury.

• Currently, Georgia first responders can only claim worker’s compensation for PTSD if they also sustain a physical injury. Wilson experienced difficulty getting treatment after witnessing her partner's death in 2018.

• The proposed bill would cover therapy costs and provide three years of partial salary protection for first responders needing time off to recover from PTSD.

• Wilson, who incurred $20,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for her treatment, emphasizes the bill's potential to alleviate financial burdens and encourage timely care for mental health issues.

• The bill has bipartisan support and is building on the foundation of House Bill 1013, the mental health and parity bill passed the previous year, increasing its chances of passing through committee and being voted into law.

References:

[1] Legislation could provide help for first responders with PTSD. Link

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