STATEHOUSE– The governor recently ceremonially signed State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) new law protecting critical incident stress management (CISM) services for first responders.
McNamara said CISM debriefings are an important mental health tool for public safety officials after facing a stressful or dangerous situation while on the job.
House Enrolled Act 1118 changes the Indiana code so any first responder using a CISM debriefing will not be compelled to disclose those conversations in a civil, criminal or administrative proceeding.
“Our police, firefighters, EMS providers and other first responders face danger day in and day out,” McNamara said. “By protecting these mental health discussions, our first responders will be more empowered to care for themselves.”
First responders face PTSD and depression at a rate five times higher than the civilian population, according to the Ruderman Family Foundation. To help them, 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.
McNamara said this change could incentivize first responders to use CISM debriefings, as they will not have to worry about disclosing private information.
To learn more about House Enrolled Act 1118 and other new laws, visit iga.in.gov.
