SB 481 - Under this act, the death, disability, or impairment of health of any person who is a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, or other first responder of any political subdivision shall be considered an occupational disease if the following conditions are met: • The person must have completed five or more years of employment as a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, or other first responder;
• The death, disability, or impairment of health must have been caused by a disease of the lungs or respiratory tract, hypertension, cardiovascular-renal disease, or post-traumatic stress disorder;
• The death, disability, or impairment of health must be the result of employment as a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, or other first responder; and
• The person must have taken a physical examination upon becoming employed that failed to reveal any evidence of any condition or impairment of health.
Clear and convincing medical evidence that the cause of the condition or impairment of health of the person is unrelated to their employment is required in order to deny a workers' compensation claim under this act.
SCOTT SVAGERA