The Ashley Wilson Act (House Bill 451), effective January 1, 2025, requires all Georgia public entities to provide occupational PTSD benefits (self-insured or fully-insured) to the following first responders:
- Peace Officers
- Firefighters
- Emergency Medical Professionals and Technicians
- Highway Emergency Response Operators
- 911 Communications Officers
- Probation Officers
- Jail and Correctional Officers.
The Act has strict confidentiality requirements to encourage timely diagnosis and treatment.
The Act does not impact employer health plans, which are required to provide coverage for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
The benefits are designed to provide financial support to help first responders obtain treatment and return to first responder work. These once-per-lifetime benefits include:
- A one-time $3,000 lump sum benefit upon occupational PTSD diagnosis by a qualified diagnostician.
- PTSD must be caused by a traumatic event occurring on or after July 1, 2024, while performing first responder work for a Georgia public entity.
- A qualified diagnostician is a psychiatrist, psychologist, or physician certified in a medical specialty appropriate for trauma related health diagnoses.
- Long-term disability benefits for up to 36 months if the PTSD prevents first responder work for more than 90 days.
- Paid first responders will receive 60% of their salary (max $5,000/month)
- Volunteer first responders will receive $1,500/month.
First responders serving Georgia public entities should contact their Human Resources representative to obtain proof of coverage, which will contain information about how to seek benefits confidentially if the need arises.