Florida First Responders One Step Closer to PTSD Coverage

Bill 227 unanimously passed the Florida House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations subcommittee Tuesday, bringing the proposed PTSD first responder legislation one step closer to becoming law in the state.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Matt Willhite, a fire captain and paramedic for Palm Beach County, FL, would provide first responders full workers' compensation benefits "for mental or nervous injuries regardless of whether such injuries are accompanied by physical injuries," reports WKMG .

The bill moves to a final House subcommittee hearing next week before the Government Accountability committee, which is chaired by Rep. Matt Caldwell, of District 79.

If the bill is approved it would become law July 1, 2018.