Lorna Breen Act signed into law by President Biden

On March 18, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden. This bipartisan bill was developed to address the high rates of burnout among health care professionals as well as the high suicide rate among doctors.

The new law provides up to $135 million over three years to help educate health care workers on suicide prevention, behavioral health and awareness efforts to improve mental health among health care workers.

Previously, the Lorna Breen Act was successfully passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, thanks in part to advocacy from the osteopathic medical profession. Support for the Lorna Breen Act was one of the major policy asks at DO Day 2021 and has been an ongoing online grassroots priority with the Osteopathic Advocacy Network (OAN). Furthermore, the AOA collaborated with affiliate organizations to support the bill.

Aerial Petty, DO, recently discussed the importance of the Lorna Breen Act in her Advocacy column for The DO, stating that, “The important of proper mental health support and of a campaign that results in improved mental health and resiliency among health care workers cannot be denied.” Dr. Petty recalls her efforts to promote the Lorna Breen Act during DO Day 2021, as well as the significance of recognizing what changes need to take place in order for health care workers to be supported.

More coverage on the Lorna Breen Act is available here.