Important Issues

In a commentary published on the "Newsweek" website this week, the co-founders of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation and ALLIN argued that state-by-state reforms are needed to protect the wellbeing of all physicians. Pointing out the various ways physicians are pressured to disclose burnout to receive a license as well as daily dents in wellness, the editorial highlights reform efforts (including some underway in DC) to protect physicians.

From the article:

Our research has identified 31 states, plus the District of Columbia, that may still use invasive or stigmatizing language requiring applicants to disclose any history of mental health concerns or to explain why they have taken breaks from work. Some require applicants to disclose any past psychiatric impairment, potentially going back decades, even to adolescence. These questions might violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. They certainly violate applicants’ privacy. And there is significant evidence that they deter clinicians from seeking the care they need – at tremendous risk to their well-being and their lives.

Indeed, a survey of more than 1,500 physicians conducted this year found that 80% agree there is stigma around doctors seeking mental health care. Nearly 40% reported that either they personally or a colleague they know has been scared to seek mental health care because that treatment would need to be disclosed on their licensure, credentialing or insurance applications.

This is unacceptable.

Read the entire editorial here.