ARS 38-672 & 38-673, the Officer Craig Tiger Act, was created to ensure the best care for employees exposed to traumatic events in the line of duty. The goal is to address and treat mental health issues before they develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other conditions so these individuals can return to work and their normal daily lives.
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Who is covered?
This amended Act provides up to twelve (12) visits of licensed counseling to Public Safety Employees and 911 Dispatchers who are exposed to certain events, as described below, while in the course of duty.
What types of events are covered under this benefit?
- Visually or audibly witnessing the death or maiming or visually or audibly witnessing the immediate aftermath of such a death or maiming of one or more human beings.
- Responding to or being directly involved in a criminal investigation of an offense involving a dangerous crime against children as defined in section 13-705.
- Requiring rescue in the line of duty where one's life was endangered.
- Using deadly force or being subjected to deadly force in the line of duty, regardless of whether the Peace Officer or Firefighter was physically injured.
- Witnessing the death of another Peace Officer of Firefighter while engaged in the line of duty.
- Responding to or being directly involved in an investigation regarding the drowning or near drowning of a child.
If the licensed health care provider determines that additional counseling is likely to improve the employee’s condition, an additional 24 visits (within one year after the first visit) may be utilized.
What do I need to do to access services?
Report the event to your supervisor, review all of the information, including the instructions, and follow the step by step guide found HERE
How many visits do I get?
The employee is entitled to 12 initial visits. If the licensed health care provider determines that additional counseling is likely to improve the employee’s condition, an additional 24 visits (within one year after the first visit) may be utilized.
What provider(s) can I use?
Employees wanting to access care under the Craig Tiger Act must call ComPsych (Guidance Resources), the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 844-206-1098. Please be ready to provide the name, address, and phone of your preferred licensed mental health provider. If you do not have a preferred licensed mental health provider, ComPsych will provide you with a referral. The employee can also file a claim through Worker's Compensation.
How does this impact my wages and time off?
Employees will be paid for the time needed to attend treatment visits. If the licensed mental health professional determines the employee is not fit for duty while receiving treatment, the employee should reach out to Human Resources. If the employee is placed in a no work status, wages will continue for 30 calendar days regardless of PTO (Paid Time Off) and PST (Paid Sick Time) balances. Time off work for appointments and/or time off work during a no work status may run concurrent with FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act).
Who do I contact for more information?
For additional information, questions or concerns should be directed to the Benefits Department at 623-930-2860 or email [email protected].