New Jersey governor signs bill to require coverage for counseling

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill that will require workers compensation to pay for 12 hours of counseling for first responders after certain events.

Mr. Murphy on Thursday signed A.B. 5792, which applies to entities employing law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and 911 dispatchers.

The bill requires comp coverage for counseling if these workers are exposed to events that include firing a weapon or being involved in an exchange of gunfire, suffering serious bodily injury, witnessing serious bodily injury and investigating crimes against children.

First responders will be allowed to choose a treating provider, and, if the provider declares that the first responder would benefit from more counseling, the employer would be required to pay for another 24 hours of treatment.

Both the Senate and Assembly unanimously passed the bill in June.

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