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Senate panel advances bill shielding first responders' CISM therapy from compelled testimony
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced House Bill 1118 after testimony from law enforcement and clinicians seeking to protect critical incident stress management sessions from subpoena, while senators debated the bill's liability language and exceptions for criminal conduct.
House Bill 1118 would bar compelled testimony or disclosure of communications made by a first responder to a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) service provider or peer support team member in civil, criminal or administrative proceedings, and would limit liability for employers or first responders for acts tied to those communications except in cases of 'wanton, willful, or intentional misconduct.'
The bill drew testimony from Evansville officers and clinicians who said confidentiality is needed to encourage first responders to use CISM services after traumatic calls. "This is psychological first aid for first responders," said Representative McNamara, summarizing the bill's intent. Sergeant Mark Saltzman of the Evansville Police Department, who said he has served 29 years and is vice…
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