45-25-1. Legislative findings.

The Georgia General Assembly finds that:

First responders are often exposed to traumatic events in the line of duty and are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, which, if untreated, can result in the inability to serve as a first responder as well as grave health consequences, including death by suicide;#

Major medical insurance provides coverage for mental health treatment on parity with other illnesses, and major medical insurance companies are best suited to help first responders identify healthcare providers who can treat post-traumatic stress disorder and provide coverage for treatment by such providers;#

The Office of Public Safety Support within the Department of Public Safety was established to provide peer counselors and critical incident support services to first responders exposed to traumatic events at work. The intent of this chapter is to expand on this existing support by ensuring that, after a qualifying diagnosis of occupational post-traumatic stress disorder, such first responders have financial resources readily available to them;#

Having financial resources readily available to meet the financial needs of first responders at the critically important time of identifying the mental healthcare provider of their choice and beginning treatment, as well as having additional financial resources available for the continuation of treatment, pursuit of recovery, and return to service as first responders, will better serve first responders and their families; and#

Nothing in this chapter is intended to reimburse for or provide mental healthcare treatment or replace or disrupt coverage for mental health treatment under major medical insurance.#