New Jersey Implements Job Protections for First Responders with PTSD Diagnoses

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed into law a significant measure aimed at providing essential employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) under specific conditions.

The New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act (S2373/A2145) establishes clear prohibitions against employers discharging, harassing, retaliating, or discriminating against paid first responders who request or take leave due to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis.

This new legislation ensures that first responders who take leave for PTSD will be reinstated to their previous positions once they receive clearance to return to work from a qualified mental health professional.

The law is effective immediately, reflecting the urgency of addressing mental health issues among those who serve on the front lines. “Our first responders put themselves on the line daily to keep our residents safe,” stated Governor Murphy. “This bill recognizes the real and lasting impact that traumatic experiences can have and ensures that first responders are treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness when they need it most.”

The act encompasses a wide range of first responders, including:

• Law enforcement officers
• Paid firefighters
• Paid members of duly incorporated first aid, emergency, or rescue squad associations
• Paid emergency medical technicians
• Paid paramedics
• Paid 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers

Employers who violate this law may face legal consequences. The legislation permits employees or former employees to file claims in the Division of Workers’ Compensation, where a judge can order remedies such as reinstatement to employment, restoration of lost benefits and seniority rights, back pay, and other forms of relief.

The primary sponsors of this important legislation include Senators James Beach and Linda Greenstein, along with Assemblymembers William Moen Jr., Sterley Stanley, and Joe Danielsen.

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Talent
New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed into law a significant measure aimed at providing essential employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) under specific conditions.

The New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act (S2373/A2145) establishes clear prohibitions against employers discharging, harassing, retaliating, or discriminating against paid first responders who request or take leave due to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis.

This new legislation ensures that first responders who take leave for PTSD will be reinstated to their previous positions once they receive clearance to return to work from a qualified mental health professional.

The law is effective immediately, reflecting the urgency of addressing mental health issues among those who serve on the front lines. “Our first responders put themselves on the line daily to keep our residents safe,” stated Governor Murphy. “This bill recognizes the real and lasting impact that traumatic experiences can have and ensures that first responders are treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness when they need it most.”

The act encompasses a wide range of first responders, including:

• Law enforcement officers
• Paid firefighters
• Paid members of duly incorporated first aid, emergency, or rescue squad associations
• Paid emergency medical technicians
• Paid paramedics
• Paid 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers

Employers who violate this law may face legal consequences. The legislation permits employees or former employees to file claims in the Division of Workers’ Compensation, where a judge can order remedies such as reinstatement to employment, restoration of lost benefits and seniority rights, back pay, and other forms of relief.

The primary sponsors of this important legislation include Senators James Beach and Linda Greenstein, along with Assemblymembers William Moen Jr., Sterley Stanley, and Joe Danielsen.

Topics
Talent
New Jersey