Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed into law an amendment to the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act, reducing the burden of proof required for first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).
Effective October 30, 2025, the law removes the current requirement that first responders prove “objective abnormal working conditions” to establish a claim for PTSI.
As reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), this change allows fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics to access care for psychological trauma stemming from single traumatic events or cumulative stressful experiences on the job.
“This was a long time coming for our members,” said Robert Brooks, President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA).
“They experience trauma every day. Now, if that leads to PTSI, they can get the treatment they need and return to work instead of going out on disability.”
The PPFFA played a key role in advocating for this legislation, lobbying for over a decade to see it passed.
According to IAFF 4th District Vice President Andrew Pantelis, “PPFFA President Brooks and his team did an incredible job, championing this life-saving bill and seeing it through to passage.”
The law received bipartisan support from legislators, including sponsors of the Senate and House bills.
Senator Camera Barlotta highlighted the unique challenges faced by first responders: “First responders commonly experience the most harrowing moments in others’ lives as part of their jobs.
Because it’s typical for them, they were often barred from accessing important care.”
Representative Jennifer O’Mara, who sponsored the House version, shared that her own family was personally affected.
“PTSI care can save an emergency responder’s life, and covering PTSI under Workers’ Compensation will help protect their livelihoods while allowing them to continue serving our communities,” she stated.
The previous standard requiring proof of “objective abnormal working conditions” made it nearly impossible for first responders to secure PTSI-related workers’ compensation benefits.
Advocates argued that the nature of emergency response work, which frequently involves exposure to traumatic events, rendered the standard unattainable.
By eliminating this provision, the new law ensures that psychological traumas associated with first responders’ daily duties are recognized as valid claims under workers’ compensation.
This shift marks a step toward addressing the mental health needs of emergency personnel.
The legislation not only provides direct benefits to first responders but also underscores the importance of supporting mental health care for those in high-stress professions.
Advocacy efforts from organizations like the PPFFA, along with endorsements from legislators and candidates, were instrumental in achieving this outcome.
Sen. Barlotta and Rep. O’Mara both emphasized the critical need to safeguard the well-being of first responders, enabling them to continue serving their communities without jeopardizing their mental health or financial stability.
A new Pennsylvania law amending the Workers’ Compensation Act was signed by Governor Josh Shapiro and takes effect on October 30, 2025.
The amendment lowers the burden of proof for first responders seeking compensation for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), eliminating the requirement to prove “objective abnormal working conditions.” Instead, the law acknowledges psychological trauma arising from job-related events or cumulative stress.
The Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA) led a decade-long advocacy campaign to pass the legislation, securing bipartisan support.
Key sponsors include Sen. Camera Barlotta and Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, who highlighted the vital need for mental health care for emergency personnel.
The law provides critical protections for fire fighters, police officers, and paramedics, ensuring access to treatment while maintaining their ability to serve.
