The House of Representatives passed the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 1667) by a vote of 392-36 on Dec. 8. The bill was unanimously approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Nov. 17 [refer to Washington Highlights, Nov. 19].
The AAMC-endorsed bill would authorize $35 million for a Health Resources and Services Administration Title VII grant program dedicated to training health professions students, residents, and professionals in evidence-informed strategies to address and prevent suicide, burnout, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders.
Additionally, the legislation would authorize $10 million for a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campaign to encourage health professionals to seek treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns.
The Senate approved a companion measure (S. 610) on Aug. 6, but that bill was modified to serve as a vehicle for the impending Medicare cuts, requiring the Senate to vote again on the House-passed bill to send it to the president’s desk [refer to related article and Washington Highlights, Aug. 13].