The AAMC joined a Dec. 4 letter with 58 national health care organizations urging congressional leaders to enact the bipartisan and bicameral Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 7153/S. 3679) either as a standalone bill or as part of a legislative package before the end of the 118th Congress. The AAMC-endorsed legislation would reauthorize grant programs under the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (P.L. 117-105, PDF), which were authorized through fiscal year 2024, for an additional five years [refer to Washington Highlights, Feb. 16]. The letter specifically identified how the much-needed grant programs have improved access to mental health and behavioral treatment among health care professionals; enabled more health care employers to engage with their health care professional workforce on these issues; and contributed to several state licensure boards, hospitals, and health systems implementing changes in licensing and credentialing processes that have unintentionally contributed to the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
The legislation has provided investments to prevent suicide, reduce burnout, and promote care that health care professionals need and deserve. The reauthorization was advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on March 20 and May 23, respectively, and awaits floor consideration [refer to Washington Highlights, March 22 and May 24].