Bills Would Create, Modify Presumptions

Bills introduced Monday before the legislative session starting Jan. 16 would create a new presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder is compensable for first responders in Alaska and would modify qualifying criteria for a current firefighter presumption. House Bill 239, by Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage, would create a presumption that PTSD is compensable for firefighters, peace officers, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers and mobile intensive care paramedics. The presumption would apply to PTSD diagnosed during employment or within three years after th...