HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania first responders will have expanded access to mental health care under a newly highlighted state law, with additional worker protections proposed in the governor’s latest budget plan.
What This Means for You
- Mental Health Coverage Expanded: First responders can receive workers’ compensation for post-traumatic stress injuries.
- Disaster Coverage Gap Targeted: A proposed change would extend benefits when responders are deployed during state emergencies.
- Support for Emergency Workers: Officials say the changes aim to improve protections for those responding to crises.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield, and State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook on Tuesday highlighted Act 121 of 2024, which allows first responders to receive workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries tied to traumatic events on the job.
A post-traumatic stress injury, or PTSI, is a mental health condition caused by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, such as emergencies or violence.
Law Expands Access to Mental Health Benefits
Under Act 121, first responders — including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement — can receive up to two years of workers’ compensation benefits for qualifying mental health injuries.
The law removes a previous requirement that the trauma be tied to an “abnormal” work condition, allowing claims based on routine job-related incidents.
Claims must be supported by a diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and filed within three years of diagnosis.
“Pennsylvania’s first responders face difficult and often traumatic situations to keep us safe. With Act 121, we made it clear that their mental health matters just as much as their physical health,” Davis said.
Budget Proposal Seeks Broader Protections
State officials are also advocating for Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal, which would expand workers’ compensation coverage for first responders deployed during declared disaster emergencies.
Currently, when non-state responders — such as local firefighters or private emergency teams — are deployed to assist during a state emergency, their workers’ compensation coverage remains the responsibility of their home organization.
Officials say this can create gaps in protection.
The proposed budget would make those responders eligible for state workers’ compensation benefits while serving under a governor’s emergency declaration.
“When first responders are deployed on behalf of the Commonwealth during a state-declared disaster emergency, they deserve the same protections as any state employee,” Padfield said.
Officials Cite Ongoing Mental Health Needs
State officials said nearly one in seven first responders experience post-traumatic stress injuries, highlighting the need for expanded mental health support.
State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook said access to care is critical for both responders and the broader emergency system.
“Ensuring they have timely access to post-traumatic stress injury care is essential, not just for their own health, but for their families, and the strength and readiness of our entire emergency response system,” Cook said.
Next Steps for Proposed Changes
The expanded workers’ compensation coverage for disaster deployments would require approval as part of the state’s 2026-27 budget process.
Officials said the proposal is intended to ensure first responders are protected if they are injured while responding to emergencies on behalf of the Commonwealth.
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