Summary:

 House Bill 74 (HB 74):  This act establishes guidelines for implementing peer support programs for firefighters and emergency service providers to address behavioral health challenges. 

Legislation Overview:

 House Bill 74 (HB 74) Section 2 Definitions (New Material): 
Confidential Communication: Written or oral exchanges between emergency providers and peer support team members.
Critical Incident Stress: Acute or cumulative psychological stress following exposure to crisis or trauma.
Emergency Service Provider: Employees or volunteers in state, local, or regional public fire agencies providing emergency services.
Peer Support Program: Programs run by fire agencies offering behavioral health support.
Peer Support Services: Assistance provided by trained team members to address behavioral health issues.
Peer Support Team Member: A trained provider within a fire agency offering peer support services.
Section 3. Peer Support Program Requirements (New Material):
Program Establishment: Fire agencies may create peer support programs with at least one peer support team.
Training Requirements: Team members must undergo training approved by the state fire marshal to address issues such as:
1.	Substance use and abuse
2.	Critical incident stress
3.	Grief support
4.	Line-of-duty deaths
5.	Serious injury or illness
6.	Suicidal thoughts
7.	Workplace issues
Section 4. Confidentiality of Peer Support Services (New Material):
Protected Communications: All exchanges between emergency providers and peer support team members are confidential.
Exceptions to Confidentiality:  
•	Referrals or consultations with another team member.
•	Prevention of death, substantial harm, or crime.
•	Court-ordered disclosure in civil proceedings.
•	Written consent by the emergency provider.
Notification Requirement: If disclosure occurs, the team member must notify the emergency provider in writing.
 Section 5. Limited Liability (New Material):
•	Liability Protection: Peer support team members and their employing fire agencies are protected from damages claims (e.g., personal injury, property damage) related to peer support services unless ordinary care is not exercised. This is subject to the Tort Claims Act.
•	Exclusion: Medical malpractice claims are not covered under this protection.