(405 ILCS 135/5)

Sec. 5. Legislative intent.

(a) The General Assembly recognizes the difficult nature of the job of first responder, including trauma endured by first responders in the performance of their duties.

(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to ensure that first responders, including police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and public safety telecommunicators across this State have full access to supportive and responsive behavioral health services and treatment.

(c) The General Assembly recognizes that these services should be responsive to the individual's needs and must be kept confidential.

(d) The General Assembly recognizes that the administration and provision of these services both recognize and reduce the historical barrier of stigma and a lack of confidentiality that first responders face when attempting to access behavioral health services and treatment.

(Source: P.A. 102-911, eff. 1-1-23.)