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The Georgia First Responder PTSD Program makes the benefits required by The Ashley Wilson Act (the Act) and stated in O.C.G.A. § 45-25-3 available to counties and cities through programs developed by the interlocal risk management agencies of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The programs are fully insured and backed by MetLife (A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior)).
Both Critical Illness (Lump Sum) and Long-Term Disability (Income Replacement) coverages can be purchased through the program. Local governments may purchase either coverage independently, but due to unique aspects of the law, most will find a need to purchase both on behalf of their first responders. A summary of these coverages is found under the COVERAGE TAB.
Who is eligible?
As defined in O.C.G.A. § 45-25-2, an “eligible first responder” is a first responder who experienced or was exposed to a traumatic event during the normal course of performing regular occupational or volunteer duties on behalf of a public entity and such experience or exposure resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, if the first responder received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder arising from such experience or exposure no later than two years after the traumatic event.
Who is a "first responder"?
- 'Communications officer' as defined in Code Section 37-12-1
- 'Correctional officer' as defined in Code Section 45-1-8
- 'Emergency medical professional' as defined in Code Section 16-10-24.2
- 'Emergency medical technician' as defined in Code Section 16-10-24.2
- 'Firefighter' as defined in Code Section 25-4-2
- 'Highway emergency response operator' as defined in Code Section 45-1-8
- 'Jail officer' as defined in Code Section 45-1-8
- 'Juvenile correctional officer' as defined in Code Section 45-1-8
- 'Peace officer' as defined in Code Section 35-8-2
- 'Probation officer' as defined in Code Section 45-1-8
- Law enforcement officer with the Department of Natural Resources.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
O.C.G.A. § 45-25-2 defines PTSD as an anxiety disorder caused by experiencing or being exposed to a traumatic event and which satisfies the clinical diagnostic criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, in effect on January 1, 2024.
What is a “traumatic event”?
The Act defines a “traumatic event” as an actual or threatened death, serious injury, or act of sexual violence that occurs on or after July 1, 2024, and which the first responder experienced or was exposed to during the normal course of the first responder’s regular occupational or volunteer duties on behalf of a public entity. In cases involving multiple traumatic events occurring on or after July 1, 2024, the traumatic event is the most recent event determined by the qualified diagnostician to be related to the symptoms of PTSD.
Who is a “qualified diagnostician”?
A “qualified diagnostician” is defined as a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist who is duly authorized to practice in Georgia and is certified in a medical specialty appropriate for trauma-related mental health diagnoses.
What if I’m diagnosed with PTSD after I am no longer a first responder?
A clinical diagnosis may be made within two (2) years following the date of the traumatic event, which shall include proper documentation.