HB 1761

This bill makes participation in the state's employee assistance program available for all active members of a volunteer fire department and all active volunteers of a combination fire department recognized under the Fire Department Recognition Act, with the state required to pay all costs associated with such access. As used in such provision, an "employee assistance program"" means a program that provides counseling, problem identification, intervention, assessment, or referral for appropriate diagnosi s and treatment, and follow-up services to assist employees who are impaired by personal concerns that may adversely affect employee job performance. TENNESSEE PUBLIC SAFETY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACT Present law requires public safety employers to provide their public safety employees with visits to a mental health service provider for the purpose of treating PTSD. Public safety employers are also required to promote the use of a mental health servi ces provider, establish support programs to mitigate behavioral health issues, and maintain a list of mental health service providers qualified to provide trauma therapy. Present law defines a ""public safety employee"" as an emergency medical worker or pr of essional firefighter who is a paid, full-time employee of a public safety employer. This bill amends the definition to include paid full-time and part-time public safety employees. APPLICATIONS TO OPERATE AS A FIRE DEPARTMENT Present law requires a governmental entity, political subdivision, or other organization wishing to operate as a fire department to file an application with the state fire marshal's office. This bill requires the application to include a list of active members of the department that includes each active member's name, mailing address, rank, public safety identification number, and birth date. This bill authorizes the state fire marshal's office to require more frequent updates on the department's membe rs hip list through electronic means for those departments participation in state programs and opportunities."