Chapter 22C of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2006 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out section 16 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 16.  Any officer of the department when temporarily disabled by reason of injuries sustained while in the course of employment without serious and willful misconduct by such officer is authorized leave without loss of pay and payment for the reasonable hospital, medical and surgical expenses; provided, such payments may be made from the department’s annual appropriations.  The colonel may establish rules or regulations to further effectuate this section.  In determining the right of any such officer of the department performing police service, or his legal representatives, to receive compensation under any provision of law on account of injuries or death suffered by such officer during the course of employment, such officer shall be deemed to be so engaged while traveling on public ways from his home to his station of duty and from such station to his home.