First Responder - PTSI Act: A Game-Changer for Pennsylvania's First Responders

First Responder – PTSI Act: A Game-Changer for Pennsylvania’s First Responders

On Oct. 23, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the First Responder – Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Amendment (Act 121 of 2024) to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act into law. This amendment represents a step forward in recognizing and supporting the mental health needs of our First Responders. Act 121 will go into effect on Oct. 29, 2025.

Currently, First Responders are required to establish an “abnormal working condition” in the context of their employment in order to receive benefits for a psychological injury. Historically, this requirement has made it very difficult for First Responders to obtain benefits. Act 121 creates a specific class of public servants for whom the requirement of establishing an abnormal working condition is removed. The class consists of emergency medical technicians and service providers, emergency medical services providers, firefighters, Pennsylvania state police officers, and peace officers.

In order to be covered under the Act, members of the class must experience a “Qualifying Traumatic Event.” Qualifying Traumatic Events include:

• incidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death,
• events involving injured, killed, abused, or exploited minors,
• situations posing immediate life threats to the employee or others,
• mass casualty events,
• crime scene investigations

Claims must be filed within three years of diagnosis, and the injury must have occurred no more than five years before the Act’s effective date, Oct. 25, 2025.

While this is a step forward in supporting the mental health of our First Responders, it is important to note that Workers’ Compensation benefits for Post Traumatic Stress Injuries qualifying under Act 121 are limited to a maximum of 104 weeks. However, the employee is not precluded from making a claim under the traditional “abnormal working condition” standard and can also look to pension options.

While Pennsylvania is setting a new standard in caring for those workers who dedicate their lives to public safety by simplifying the claims process for psychological injuries, it is important for First Responders to speak with an attorney who understands the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation System and the specifics of this new section of the law.

If you have suffered a psychological injury due to work, you should contact our offices to make sure that all of your rights are protected.