HF 2812

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/15/2016 09:41am

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing suicide prevention and training for firefighters,
law enforcement, and emergency services personnel; appropriating money;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [145.561] SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING FOR FIREFIGHTERS,
LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of health, in consultation with the Minnesota Ambulance
Association, Fire Marshals Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Board of Firefighter
Training and Education, State Fire Chiefs Association, Minnesota Police and Peace
Officers Association, Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, mental health professionals with
expertise in suicide prevention, and emergency medical services (EMS) professionals
with experience in suicide prevention and trauma-induced depression, shall develop a
suicide prevention training program for firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and EMS
personnel. The program shall include training to recognize the impact of tragic encounters
and duress encountered by these groups in their unique line of duty. The program must
be based on evidence-based behavioral health assistance to effectively serve these
groups and to establish a coordinated suicide prevention strategy. The program materials
shall include training materials on the relationship between the risk of suicide and the
effect of psychological distress resulting from experiencing occupational trauma. The
commissioner shall develop a list of resources that include behavioral health specialists,
peer support programs, and social supports.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING.
new text end

new text begin $395,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2017 from the general fund to the
commissioner of health to establish the suicide prevention training program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 145.561. This appropriation does not cancel and is available
until expended.
new text end