General Assembly Passes Bills to Expand Presumptions

The Maryland General Assembly on Monday passed bills that would expand the hypertension presumption for firefighters and extend heart disease and hypertension presumptions to correctional officers in another county. The Senate unanimously passed HB 347 and HB 878. HB 347 would establish criteria for a firefighter, rescue squad member, advanced life support member or sworn member of the Office of the State Fire Marshal to demonstrate disablement from hypertension. The first responders need two years of cumulative service, be employed at the time of the claim application, be diagnosed with the...