On August 6, 2021, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act unanimously passed the United States Senate. The legislation, known as S. 610 and HR 1667, aims to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, and mental/behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Dr. Breen made headlines after her tragic death during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate Legislation
Under the legislation passed by the Senate, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care professionals. HHS may also award grants for mental and behavioral health training for health care students, residents, or professionals.
The legislation also requires HHS to conduct a campaign to encourage health care professionals to seek support and treatment for their own mental and behavioral health concerns. HHS would also create and disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among health care providers.
Finally, the legislation would require HHS to study and develop several policy recommendations. Some of the topics for policy recommendations include: improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers, removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and identifying strategies to promote resiliency.
House of Representatives Legislation
In the United States House of Representatives, a similar bill has been introduced and referred to the Subcommittee on Health within the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Just like the Senate bill, the House legislation would require HHS to award grants to train health care professionals on suicide prevention, behavioral health issues, and strategies to improve well-being. It would also require HHS to study and develop policy recommendations on topics that match those found in the Senate bill.
The House legislation, however, includes another provision that would require HHS award grants to establish or expand programs to promote mental and behavioral health among health care professionals involved with COVID-19 response efforts. but would also require HHS
A similar bill was introduced last Congressional session, but unfortunately did not make it out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.