7-32-602. Local first responder peer support programs.
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/mt/title-7/chapter-32/part-6/7-32-602·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
7-32-602 . Local first responder peer support programs.
(1)A police department, sheriff's office, fire department, or emergency medical service provider may establish a first responder peer support program that is in compliance with the provisions of this section.
(2)A local first responder peer support program must have a written policy that outlines, at a minimum:
(a)qualifications for a peer supporter, including certification and continuing education requirements;
(b)guidelines for what constitutes a peer support session from a conversation between peers;
(c)definitions for a group debrief and peer support team;
(d)the prohibition of recording in writing or by video or audio any peer support session;
(e)how peer supporters in the program shall comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 1320d, et seq.;
(f)the ability of an employee to use multiple peer supporters;
(g)the protection of an employee from being forced to use a peer supporter who holds supervisory authority over the employee;
(h)the prohibition of harassment or discrimination against an employee or volunteer who seeks services from the peer support program; and
(i)confidentiality protections of the peer support program, including the following exceptions:
(i)if the employee has committed or plans to commit a crime;
(ii)if the employee indicates the employee will cause harm to themself or to others;
(iii)if there is a request from an appropriate licensing board or program; and
(iv)if the mandatory reporting requirements of licensing boards or programs apply.
(3)A peer support session is confidential, and, except as provided in subsection (2)(i), a qualified peer supporter in a local first responder peer support program is prohibited from providing testimony about a peer support session, including individual and group peer support sessions.