HB 5428
Relating to providing traumatic event counseling for peace officers.
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a program in West Virginia to provide up to 12 counseling sessions to peace officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers who have experienced traumatic events while on duty. The program is funded by the employer and can include telehealth visits. It also outlines reporting requirements for the state and local governments to track participation and outcomes, and provides for additional counseling sessions if deemed necessary by a mental health professional. The bill includes exceptions for existing employer-provided counseling programs.
Key provisions
- Establishes a program for up to 12 counseling sessions for peace officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers exposed to traumatic events.
- Allows for additional counseling sessions (up to 24) if a mental health professional deems them necessary.
- Employers cannot require employees to use accrued leave for counseling sessions.
- Employers must ensure pay and benefits continue for up to 30 days if an employee is deemed unfit for duty.
- Employees can choose their own licensed mental health professional.
- Requires the state and local governments to collect and report data on program participation and outcomes.
- Defines key terms such as ‘licensed counseling’ and ‘licensed mental health professional.’
- Creates an exception for employers who already offer a comprehensive counseling program.
Who is affected
- Peace Officers
- Firefighters
- 911 Dispatchers
- Employers of Peace Officers, Firefighters, and 911 Dispatchers
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