Wednesday, July 18, 2018 marked a milestone accomplishment with regards for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD treatment for First Responders, when Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2502, also known as the Officer Craig Tiger Act, into law at the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Hangar at the Deer Valley Airport.
It is unfortunate that the tragedy of Phoenix Police Officer Craig Tiger’s death provided the impetus to create this law.
Highlights of this Bill, which sponsored by Arizona Representative Paul Boyer and supported by fellow Arizona Representative Mark Finchem, and Arizona State Senator Rick Gray include the following:
- Requiring employers of peace officers and firefighters (first responders) to pay for up to 24 additional program counseling visits beyond the currently authorized 12 visits, if a licensed mental health professional determines that further counseling is likely to improve the first responder’s condition.
- Allows a first responder to select their treating mental health professional.
- Prohibits an employer from requiring a first responder to use accrued paid vacation, personal leave, or sick leave to attend counseling treatment visits.
PLEA would like to thank everyone who was involved in this process including our lobbyist and his firm, Mike Williams and Associates, well-known Valley journalist Donna Rossi, for keeping the effects of PTSD on first responders in the forefront with her Emmy Award winning Series “PTSD and Police” as well as Representatives Boyer and Finchem, Senator Gray, and Governor Ducey.
Pictured from left to right: Governor Doug Ducey, Donna Rossi, the Tiger Family, and Arizona Police Association Executive Director Joe Clure.
CLICK HERE to view a KPHO TV story on today’s event.