Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act
Mar 18, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1118
Became law: Mar 18, 2022
Mar 18, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1118
Became law: Mar 18, 2022
Summary
Creates programs and shares best practices to help prevent suicide and improve the mental health of health care workers.
What problem does this solve?
Health care workers often face serious mental health challenges and burnout but may not seek help because they fear it could hurt their careers. This law funds programs to support their mental well-being, reduce stigma, and provide training to prevent suicide and substance use issues.
What does this law do?
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Programs to promote mental health among health care professionals
Establishes grants for mental health programs
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to hospitals, medical associations, and other health care groups to create or improve programs that support the mental health of their workers.
Creates a national education and awareness campaign
Directs the creation of a national campaign to encourage health care workers to seek mental health support and to reduce the stigma associated with asking for help.
Funds training for health care students and professionals
Creates a grant program for health professions schools and other organizations to train students, residents, and professionals on how to manage mental and substance use disorders.
Requires sharing of best practices
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and share the best ways to prevent suicide and improve mental health and strength among health care workers.
Mandates a review of provider mental health
Requires a study on the mental health of health care professionals, the barriers they face in getting care, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authorizes funding for programs
Approves $10 million per year for the awareness campaign and $35 million per year for grants and other activities for fiscal years 2022 through 2024.
Who does this affect?
- Health care professionals
- Hospitals and health care organizations
- Medical students and residents
What is the real world impact?
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Supports the mental health of frontline workers
Provides resources to address the high rates of burnout, suicide, and mental health conditions among health care professionals, which were made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Strengthens the healthcare system
Aims to improve patient care and stabilize the health care workforce by ensuring that providers are mentally healthy and resilient, which can reduce medical errors and staff turnover.
When does this start?
This law sets several deadlines for reports and actions over the next four years.
Best practices dissemination
By March 18, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must identify and share best practices for improving mental health among health care workers.
Awareness initiative report
By March 18, 2024, the Secretary must report to Congress on the progress of the national education and awareness campaign.
Review of provider mental health
By March 18, 2025, the Secretary must complete a review of health care professional mental health and report the results to Congress.