When Covid hit, many Americans sheltered in place and waited for the next step. Meanwhile, first responders such as firefighters and police officers continued to work their shifts to ensure local communities maintained vital services. Emergency situations that already incurred mental and physical stress were exacerbated by fears of contracting the virus as well.
Due to their line of work interacting with the public, first responders are at a greater risk of physical illnesses and mental health issues. A 2018 study showed that first responders were 5x more likely to suffer from mental injuries than the general population. Unfortunately, seven out of ten first responders do not seek treatment under these circumstances. The mental health crisis is so severe that more first responders die of suicide than in the line of duty. Now due to Covid mental health issues for first responders are only worsening.
In response to the ongoing mental health crisis, a bipartisan bill, HB689, is moving its way through the committee process in the Florida state legislature. Under current Florida law, first responders must file notices within 90 days of the qualifying event or manifestation of a mental disorder. HB 689 changes the current statutes so that first responders would have 90 days after being diagnosed with PTSD to file a notice of claim with their employer. Any claim not filed within 52 weeks of the PTSD diagnosis would be barred. By changing the conditions of application eligibility to 90 days after being diagnosed rather than from the event date of which the disorder occurred, this alteration allows numerous first responders to qualify and access benefits necessary for their mental health.
In January, the legislation already passed key committee votes in the House Banking/Insurance & Government Operations subcommittees with unanimous approval from lawmakers. With such momentum, the bill is making a serious push for full support by the House and Senate. However, the bill will face roadblocks due to the potential economic costs, specifically for towns and cities.
The Department of Financial Service's legislative analysis shows that changes could have significant cost increases, although figures of the bill's exact fiscal impact are currently indeterminate. Amending the current workers’ compensation statutes while beneficial to state first responders, could prove costly to cities across the state that are still recovering from Covid’s impact. Since the change in 2018 allowing first responders to access mental health/PTSD benefits, over 50 claims have been paid by the state for 2.1 million, approximately $42,330 per claim.
For now, the momentum looks to be building for HB689. The proposed change will now move to the State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee and could make it to a floor vote before the end of February, allowing it to progress to the Senate.