The well-being of healthcare workers has reached a critical point. The alarming rates of burnout, mental health challenges, and even suicides within this essential workforce demand urgent attention. Legislative measures, such as the Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (Lorna Breen Act), have provided a lifeline to address these challenges, but their continued success hinges on public support and congressional action.
Lorna Breen, MD, and other healthcare professionals like Matt Gall, MD, Mo Brown, MD, Scott Jolley, MD, William West Jr., MD, and Tristin Smith, RN, are tragic examples of the growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers. Each of these individuals represents a devastating loss, underscoring the need for systemic solutions. Without immediate intervention, the list of those lost could grow longer, with names that hit close to home for many.
This legislation, first passed in 2022, expired on September 30, 2024. Unless reauthorized by Congress before the session ends in December, critical programs and funding aimed at improving healthcare workers’ mental health will be delayed for at least another year.
Healthcare workers face workplace stressors that are unique and overwhelming. Long hours, high stakes, and the emotional weight of patient care contribute to burnout rates that were already high before the pandemic. The situation has worsened significantly since. Fear of stigma and intrusive licensing and credentialing questions make it difficult for healthcare professionals to seek help, perpetuating a cycle of untreated mental health issues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled the mental health crisis among healthcare workers a national emergency. Studies reveal that healthcare workers face mental health challenges at levels far exceeding those of other professions. This underscores the urgency of reauthorizing the Lorna Breen Act to ensure continued support for this critical workforce.
The Lorna Breen Act has achieved significant milestones since its initial passage. It has funded research and resources that address key factors contributing to burnout and suicide among healthcare workers. One notable achievement is the creation of the Suicide Prevention: Evidence-Informed Interventions for the Health Care Workforce guide, which provides actionable strategies for healthcare organizations to reduce risks and support mental health.
In its first two years, the legislation allocated $103 million to 45 organizations implementing evidence-based strategies to combat burnout and suicide. For instance, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s health system drastically reduced its employee turnover rate from 52.7% in 2021 to 17.8% in 2022 through measures like mental health support and policy standardization. Similarly, the University of Alabama at Birmingham reduced burnout by 17% in just six months by offering targeted stress and trauma support to nurses and nurse leaders.
The Act also established the Impact Wellbeing campaign, designed to provide hospital leaders with solutions to address burnout and foster sustainable well-being for staff. Resources like the Impact Wellbeing Guide have helped nearly 35,000 healthcare professionals implement meaningful changes in their organizations. Despite these successes, only half of hospital leaders report having the necessary resources to extend support further.
Reauthorizing the Lorna Breen Act would broaden its reach, empowering more hospitals with tools and funding to support their staff. The updated legislation aims to tackle the root causes of burnout by reducing the administrative burdens on clinicians, which have long been a source of frustration and mental strain. Addressing these issues not only benefits healthcare workers but also makes economic sense. Physician burnout alone costs the U.S. healthcare system approximately $4.6 billion annually in lost productivity and turnover expenses.
The Act enjoys strong bipartisan support in Congress, with committee approvals already secured. However, failure to pass the reauthorization before the year ends could jeopardize these critical programs, leaving healthcare workers without the support they desperately need.
The Lorna Breen Act is more than just a policy—it is a lifeline for healthcare workers. It has proven effective in reducing burnout, improving mental health resources, and addressing systemic issues within healthcare systems. By advocating for its reauthorization, we are not just supporting healthcare workers; we are safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone who relies on medical care.
Take action today. Reach out to your members of Congress and urge them to vote in favor of reauthorizing the Lorna Breen Act. Your voice can make a difference in ensuring that healthcare workers receive the support and resources they need to thrive.