Amends GS 97-53 (occupational diseases enumerated; when due to exposure to chemicals) by adding new subdivision (30) regarding employment-related occupational diseases of first responders, defined to include law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians or paramedics employed by state or local government, and volunteer firefighters meeting the requirement of GS 58-84-5(3a).  Includes as a compensable occupational disease posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, provided the PTSD is due to causes and conditions characteristic of the profession and if it resulted from a first responder acting within his or her employment and the first responder has been diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist who is reasonably medically certain that the PTSD is the result of employment activities.  Requires the PTSD to be demonstrated by a preponderance of medical evidence by the licensed psychiatrist.  Limits the time for filing notice of injury or death for compensation to 52 weeks after diagnosis.  Requires employing agencies of first responders, including volunteers, to provide educational training related to mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation, and treatment.

Effective July 1, 2019.