Florida lawmakers to consider more first responders for PTSD coverage

Florida lawmakers will consider adding crime scene investigators and 911 dispatchers to the list of professionals who qualify for the state’s presumption for post-traumatic stress disorder.

H.B. 337, filed Monday, sets provisions that such a professional would need to witness or respond to qualifying events, such as mass killings or “directly witnessing” death or verbally assisting someone in an emergency that includes death.

The bill also states that a claim must be filed within 52 weeks after the qualifying event or the diagnosis of the disorder, whichever is later.