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Congress·In Committee·about 1 year ago

Congress Moves to Extend Health Worker Mental Health Support Programs Through 2029

Also known as: Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(5)
Mental Health
Helps
Chronic Illness
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps
Medicare
Helps
Medicaid
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would extend key parts of a law that supports health care workers’ mental health and substance use care from 2025 through 2029.
  • The bill updates an education and awareness effort that encourages doctors, nurses, and other health workers to actually use counseling and treatment when they need it.
  • It would require this education and awareness effort to be reviewed or updated, and then looked at every year after that.
  • Grant programs aimed at improving health care workers’ mental health could also support projects that reduce paperwork and other “administrative burden” that adds stress at work.
  • Everyday impact: the goal is to reduce burnout and mental health crises among health workers, which can help patients by keeping more staff on the job and supported.
HealthcareLabor EmploymentDrug Policy

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 28, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Jan 28, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the bill becomes law, then annually through 2029

Education and awareness effort continues each year through 2029

Health care workers may see recurring national and workplace messaging that encourages using mental health and substance use help, which can reduce stigma and make it more normal to seek care.

Beginning in the first program year after enactment; continuing through 2029

Grants and programs can run for program years 2025 through 2029

Hospitals, clinics, EMS organizations, and training programs may be able to apply for or continue grant-supported projects that improve worker mental health and reduce burnout.

Related News

6 articles
AHA News (American Hospital Association)·about 1 year ago

Senate introduces bill reauthorizing Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

Covers the Senate introduction of the reauthorization bill to extend programs for health care worker mental health and a national campaign to support worker well-being.

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AHA News (American Hospital Association)·about 1 year ago

House bill would reauthorize Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

Reports on House introduction of the companion reauthorization bill extending grants and an evidence-based campaign to reduce burnout and support health care workers.

C+
AACOM (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine)·about 1 year ago

AACOM Applauds Introduction of Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act

Association statement supporting the bill to extend grant funding for health professional mental health, suicide prevention, and burnout reduction.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act

Bill NumberS 266
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(9)
D: 5R: 4

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.