Rep. McNamara’s bill to protect first responders during traumatic incident debriefing moves to the House
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 16, 2025) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) bill to protect the confidentiality of first responders during debriefing after a traumatic event passed out of committee this week and now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
McNamara said through House Bill 1118, any first responder receiving critical incident services management (CISM) debriefing would not be compelled to disclose any of those conversations in a civil, criminal or administrative proceeding.
McNamara said CISM debriefings are used for first responders after they face a traumatic experience while in the field. These sessions can help the first responder process the events, so they do not face long-term adverse mental health effects.
“Our first responders face a variety of intense and dangerous situations,” McNamara said. “These debriefings can be vital to the mental health of Hoosier law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical providers and others, and they should not be required to discuss these private conversations.”
Additionally, through the bill, first responders receiving CISM services or their employer would not be held liable for damages in court based on their communication, unless the error demonstrates wanton, willful or intentional misconduct.
McNamara said this bill would incentivize first responders to use CISM services without fear that they’ll have to later disclose what they discussed during these mental health conversations.
First responders face PTSD and depression at a rate five times higher than the civilian population, according to the Ruderman Family Foundation. To help those who face constant emergencies, Indiana has more than 40 CISM teams, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, comprised of trained peer volunteers who can offer care at the scene or counsel for responders afterwards.
House Bill 1118 now moves to the House for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and to follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
