ADA calls for reauthorization of mental health bill

Act works to prevent health care worker burnout, suicide

The ADA signed onto a Dec. 4 coalition letter calling for passage of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize a federal grant program aimed at increasing mental health resources for health care workers.

Committees in both the House and Senate passed versions of the bill earlier this year with bipartisan support. The Lorna Breen Act was originally enacted in March 2022 and is the only federal law dedicated to preventing suicide and reducing occupational burnout, mental health conditions and stress for health care professionals.

The law is named after Lorna Breen, M.D., an emergency physician who died by suicide in April 2020 after treating COVID-19 patients. The law was a critical first step in addressing the pervasive stigma and challenges that often prevent health care professionals from seeking mental health services they need and cause them to suffer in silence, according to the coalition, which consists of almost 60 organizations. 

Although the legislation has improved mental health support and treatment, the letter noted, there is still much work to be done. The coalition said the reauthorization would help ensure that health care organizations can continue, expand and build on the many initiatives funded by the act.

“Moreover, the reauthorization measure importantly expands grants and contracts eligibility to include entities that have ‘a focus on the reduction of administrative burden on health care workers.’ This will enable health care organizations to address system-level risk factors that lead to occupational burnout, contribute to mental health conditions, and cause intensive stress and strain,” reads the letter, addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

The ADA has previously expressed support for reauthorization of the mental health bill. The Association signed onto coalition letters in February and May urging the bill’s reauthorization and supported the originating legislation in 2022.