Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

This bill establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers.

Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care providers. In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for health care students, residents, or professionals.

Additionally, HHS must conduct a campaign to (1) encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns, and (2) disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among health care providers.

HHS must also study and develop policy recommendations on

• improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers,
• removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and
• identifying strategies to promote resiliency.

Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which relevant federal grant programs address the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among health care providers.

Bill 117 HR 1667, also known as the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill is named after Dr. Lorna Breen, a physician who tragically took her own life after experiencing immense stress and trauma while working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The main purpose of this bill is to provide support and resources for health care providers who are experiencing mental health challenges as a result of their work. The bill aims to establish grant programs to support mental health and wellness for health care providers, as well as to promote education and training on mental health issues in the medical field.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve access to mental health services for health care providers, including through telehealth services. It also aims to address the stigma surrounding mental health in the medical profession and promote a culture of openness and support. Overall, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act is a bipartisan effort to prioritize the mental health and well-being of health care providers, who have been under immense strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill aims to provide much-needed support and resources to ensure that these essential workers can continue to provide quality care to their patients while also taking care of themselves.