Delco State Rep Proposes Firefighter Health Exam Funding Bill

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — State Rep. Jennifer O'Mara of Delaware County has teamed up with a Western Pennsylvania counterpart to help firefighters cover medical examination costs.

O'Mara and Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, are introducing H.B. 1853 on the heels of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The bill would set up a new state grant program to cover the costs of annual medical examinations for all firefighters in the commonwealth.

Already, some fire companies have started to require firefighters to undergo annual physical examinations that include stress tests and preventative health exams to be proactive in catching physical or mental health issues early.

However, the lawmakers noted, these exams cost, on average, $500 to $600 per firefighter, a cost that can serve as a financial barrier that prevents firefighters from seeking the care they need and deserve.

"Every day our firefighters are asked to respond to traumatic events, to be heroes to help those in desperate need. These calls take a toll – not just physically, but mentally as well," said O’Mara, who is the co-prime sponsor of the legislation. "This legislation would help connect fire departments and companies with tools and resources to promote physical and mental health and safety, and to help those who help us when we need it most."

The lawmakers’ legislation would provide a new grant pathway for fire companies that choose to require these physical exams.

Under the bill, fire companies that opt into the grant program would need to certify that each firefighter receives a minimum two hours of mental health training specifically related to the fire service annually and each firefighter must have completed state firefighter 1 certification to receive the reimbursement.

Additionally, language includes privacy protection and support for collective bargaining agreements that may otherwise supersede aspects of the bill.