SB 339 - Under this act, certain first responders are presumed to have an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of employment as a first responder if they contract: · Any infectious disease;
· Disease of the lungs or respiratory tract;
· Disease of the heart or cardiovascular system including, but not limited to, disease of the blood or bone marrow, hypotension, and hypertension; or
· Disease of the body systems or organs from carcinoma.
This presumption may be rebutted by the employer if the employer provides reasonable medical evidence that the first responder was not free of the disease prior to beginning employment.
Additionally, psychological stress and mental disorders in certain first responders shall be presumed to be occupational diseases that were contracted in the course and scope of employment if the psychological stress or mental disorder requires medical services or results in physical or mental disability and has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist. This presumption may be rebutted.
This act is similar to HB 863 (2021).
SCOTT SVAGERA