HB 539 Schwadron, Adam
HB 539 -- FIRST RESPONDER MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE ACT
SPONSOR: Schwadron
This bill establishes the "Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act". This Act establishes the rights of first responders to access behavioral health care services and responsive treatment and to have certain records of such treatment be deemed confidential, as specified in the bill, and shall not be shared with an employer. First responders shall have the right to seek treatment in any geographic area without restrictions or limitations imposed by an employer or insurance carrier and the right to receive expanded Family and Medical Leave Act protections while voluntarily seeking preventative treatment. First responders shall have the right to have treatment and living quarters in facilities separate from other patients, as well as access to behavioral health treatment for up to 36 months following retirement regardless of Medicare restrictions.
First responders receiving behavioral health services shall be able to seek reimbursement from the "First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program" established by this bill, in amounts specified in the bill. The Department of Mental Health shall make grants to eligible recipients to reimburse behavioral health care expenses, as well as peer support education, prevention and awareness training, software, and other services.
Additionally, this bill establishes the "Missouri First Responders Mental Health Task Force" within the Department of Public Safety, with specified members of the mental health and first responder community, to develop recommendations as specified in the bill, including access to mental health wellness programs and initiatives, funding for services, education and training programs. The Task Force shall be appointed within 30 days after the effective date, and will begin meeting no later than 60 days after all members have been appointed.
This bill is similar to SB 24 (2023).