HB 213 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for confidential communications involving emergency responders and providing for mental health evaluations for 911 dispatchers.

This bill strengthens mental health support for emergency responders in Pennsylvania. It creates new confidentiality protections, prohibiting peer support staff, healthcare providers, or helplines from sharing an emergency responder's mental health information without consent (except in clear danger situations). Specifically for 911 dispatchers, it requires employers to provide free mental health evaluations for PTSD symptoms upon the dispatcher's request or a supervisor's recommendation. If symptoms are identified, the employer must cover treatment until a provider determines the dispatcher can return to full duties, with administrative duty assigned during this period.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Jan 17, 2025