An ACEP-led coalition letter to Congress urges legislators to pass the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the March 2022 law named in honor of the life and legacy of emergency physician Dr. Lorna Breen.
The letter was signed by nearly 60 physician, nurse, pharmacist, and health care professional organizations. This legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and awaits further action by the Senate and the House.
The letter states:
"Dr. Breen was a sister, a daughter, a friend, a colleague, and a caregiver who was deeply dedicated to her patients. The law that carries her name was a critical first step in acknowledging and addressing the pervasive stigma and challenges – such as fear of loss of licensure or credentialing – that often prevent health care professionals from seeking the mental health services they need, causing them to suffer in silence.
Because of the Lorna Breen Act, lives have been saved and livelihoods have been protected. Access to mental and behavioral health support and treatment has improved and more health care employers are able to engage with their health care professional workforce on these issues, provide greater resources, and accelerate promising solutions.
Thanks to continued advocacy work, several state licensure boards, hospitals, and health systems have also started to implement overdue changes in licensing and credentialing processes that have unintentionally contributed to the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. But there is still much work to be done."
ACEP is leading efforts to erase the stigma associated with mental health care and make sure that emergency physicians and others can access necessary services without fearing they could lose their license, income, or other career setbacks. We will not stop the work necessary to protect the lives and livelihoods of emergency physicians.
Related:
Coalition Effort Spurs Licensure Boards, Hospitals to Better Support Worker’s Mental Health
