INDIANA—A new Indiana law, H.E.A. 1118, now Public Law 51-2025, will take effect on July 1, 2025, and provides significant protections for first responders who utilize critical incident stress management (CISM) services.
The legislation ensures that first responders receiving CISM services cannot be compelled to testify or otherwise disclose any communication made to a CISM services provider or a peer support team member related to their CISM services. This protection applies to civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings.
Furthermore, the law states that neither the first responder recipient nor their employer can be held liable for damages resulting from any act, error, or omission committed by the first responder based on communications made within the CISM process. This protection has an exception for acts, errors, or omissions that constitute wanton, willful, or intentional misconduct.
This new law aims to encourage first responders to seek and utilize CISM services without fear of their confidential communications being used against them in legal proceedings, thereby supporting their mental health and well-being.
The full text of House Enrolled Act 1118 can be accessed on the Indiana General Assembly website at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1118.
