Jimmy Patronis backs expanding PTSD benefits for first responders

First responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if they don’t have physical injuries under proposed legislation that will be considered Tuesday by a Senate panel.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, the head of the state agency that ensures businesses have workers’ compensation coverage for employees, said his office is in full support of bolstering benefits for the state’s “fearless leaders.”

“I’m putting the full weight of my office to increase benefits this legislative session for our first responders who suffer from PTSD,” Patronis said.

The bill would benefit police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics diagnosed with PTSD after a work-related event.

Sen. Lauren Book, one of the bill’s four sponsors, said in a statement that “lawmakers should make sure (first responders) are covered by workers’ compensation for PTSD-related treatment.”

“Our first responders are like superheroes — when citizens are running from danger, first responders’ are running into harm’s way,” the Plantation Democrat added.

The bill, SB 376, has been referred to four committee stops. Ahead of its second one on Tuesday, Book and co-sponsor Sen. Dana Young will hold a press conference to advocate for its passage.

A bipartisan companion bill, HB  227, has been introduced by state Reps. Matt Willhite and Rene Plasencia, but it has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.