Physicians face higher levels of burnout and depression compared to the general population and are twice as likely to die by suicide. Each year, the field loses 300 to 400 physicians to suicide. The CDC also found that 25% of healthcare providers report having mental health symptoms severe enough for diagnosis. However, only 38% reported seeking care and 20% said they did not seek care despite severe symptoms.
The rationale for asking about physicians’ mental health is to ensure patient safety.
“Having any past diagnosis of a mental health need or a substance use problem is often not relevant,” AMA President Jesse Ehrenfeld told the Post. “The key inquiry ought to be whether the impairment represents a current concern for safety and the physician’s ability to provide competent professional care.”
The AMA, among other advocates, has been working to remove or change requirements around mental health questions in licensures. In 2020, Virginia became the first state to enact a law that required a confidential mental health support program for physicians. Last year, that law was amended to also include dentists. Other states — including Arizona, Georgia, Indiana and South Dakota — have passed similar laws since then.
In 2022, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act became law and required federal grants for hospitals to develop mental health programs and suicide prevention best practices.
The licensure changes and new laws are a start, but broader changes to culture are required to gain physicians’ trust so they will seek care, experts told the Post.
