A bill to extend workers' compensation to first responders suffering from psychological injuries was signed into law by Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday.
The law will make police, firefighters and other first responders with “clear and convincing” evidence of a work-related psychological injury eligible for worker’s compensation. Under current statute, first responders with a mental injury are only eligible if they also have a physical injury.
“Senate Bill 1028 recognizes the very real challenges our first responders face every day,” Little said in a post on social media. “By acknowledging post traumatic stress injuries, we can help protect those who protect our Idaho communities.”
Twin Falls Fire Chief Les Kenworthy previously told the Times-News he believed the change in statute was needed, citing rising rates of post-traumatic stress injury and suicide among first responders.