By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed the First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act into law on Jan. 14, providing job protections for paid first responders diagnosed with PTSD.
• The statute bars employers from discharging, retaliating against, harassing or otherwise discriminating against paid first responders for requesting or taking PTSD-related leave.
• Covered personnel include firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs/paramedics, rescue squad members and 911 dispatchers.
• Employers must reinstate a qualified first responder to their prior position once a mental health professional certifies fitness to return.
• The law allows civil actions for violations with potential remedies such as fines, reinstatement and restored benefits.
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law on Jan. 14 designed to protect paid first responders from retaliation by employers for seeking or taking leave related to a qualifying post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.
The First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act makes it unlawful for employers to discharge, harass, retaliate against or otherwise discriminate against paid first responders based on their use of PTSD-related leave.
Under the statute, employers must reinstate individuals to their former position and duties once a mental health professional certifies that the employee is fit to return to work after treatment.
The law applies to a range of paid first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, members of rescue squads and 911 dispatchers.
Workers who believe they have been subjected to prohibited retaliation may file a civil action, with remedies that can include fines, reinstatement, restoration of lost wages and benefits, and attorney’s fees.
Supporters of the measure said it aims to reduce stigma and ensure employment protections for responders who face the cumulative psychological impact of traumatic incidents.