Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Todd Young, R-Ind., Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., today introduced the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, AHA-supported legislation that aims to prevent suicide, burnout and behavioral health disorders among health care professionals. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa., also introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives. Named for a doctor who led the emergency department at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, the bill would authorize grants for providers to establish programs that offer behavioral health services for front-line workers. It also would require the Department of Health and Human Services to study and recommend strategies to address provider burnout and facilitate resiliency, and direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to launch a campaign encouraging health care workers to seek assistance when needed.

“Front-line health care workers have been steadfast in leading the fight against this pandemic since the first COVID-19 cases were identified last January, and their efforts have been extraordinary,” AHA said in a letter of support for the bill. “… These workers need and deserve added support as they continue to care for severely ill patients.”

Related News Articles

Headline
The Senate Oct. 16 failed for a 10th time to advance the continuing resolution to extend government funding and end the ongoing shutdown. The chamber adjourned…
Chairperson's File
Public
There is a saying that is very timely for our field: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. As we head into the final months of 2025, hospitals and health…
Headline
The federal government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate adjourned Oct. 9 after failing to pass spending legislation; senators plan…
Headline
The American Organization for Nursing Leadership and Laudio Oct. 7 released a report that shows eight predictive burnout metrics and shares strategies from…
Headline
The AHA provided a statement of record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing Oct. 8 on the pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.…
Headline
The federal government shutdown will continue as the Senate Oct. 3 failed to adopt a government funding deal. The latest attempt to pass the House-passed…