Louisiana § RS 23:1036.1 - Volunteer firefighters; coverage for posttraumatic stress injury; presumption of compensability
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 23:1036.1 — Volunteer firefighters; coverage for posttraumatic stress injury; presumption of compensability, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 23:1036.1. Volunteer firefighters; coverage for posttraumatic stress injury; presumption of compensability
A. Any workers' compensation policy which provides coverage for a volunteer member of a fire company, pursuant to R.S. 23:1036, shall include coverage for posttraumatic stress injury.
B. For purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) "Posttraumatic stress injury" means those injuries which are defined as "posttraumatic stress disorder" by the most recently published edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association caused by an event occurring in the course and scope of employment.
(2) "Psychiatrist" shall have the same meaning as it is defined pursuant to R.S. 23:1371.1.
(3) "Psychologist" shall have the same meaning as it is defined pursuant to R.S. 23:1371.1.
(4) "Volunteer member" shall have the same meaning as it is defined pursuant to R.S. 23:1036.
(5) "Volunteer service" means that service performed by a volunteer member, for one or more fire companies, who is entitled to workers' compensation benefits pursuant to R.S. 23:1036.
C.(1) Any volunteer member who is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist with posttraumatic stress injury, either during his period of voluntary service or thereafter, shall be presumed, prima facie, to have a disease or infirmity connected with his volunteer service.
(2) Once diagnosed with posttraumatic stress injury as provided for in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the volunteer member affected or his survivors shall be entitled to all rights and benefits as granted by state laws to one suffering an occupational disease and is entitled as service connected in the line of duty, regardless of whether he is engaged in volunteer service at the time of diagnosis.
D. A posttraumatic stress injury that arises solely from a legitimate personnel action such as a transfer, promotion, demotion, or termination, is not a compensable injury pursuant to this Chapter.
Acts 2019, No. 122, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 23:1036.1
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 23:1036.1 cover?
Section RS 23:1036.1 ("Volunteer firefighters; coverage for posttraumatic stress injury; presumption of compensability") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 23:1036.1?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 23:1036.1" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 23:1036.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.