The American Dental Association (ADA), alongside 66 other organizations, is urging Congress to reauthorize the “Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act”—a landmark federal law addressing burnout, stress, and suicide prevention among healthcare workers.
The bipartisan legislation, named after Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who died by suicide in April 2020, was first authorized in 2022. It remains the only federal law dedicated to protecting the mental health of healthcare professionals.
In a letter dated March 18, the coalition stressed the need to continue and expand initiatives funded under the act. They highlighted that hospitals, health systems, and healthcare organizations require ongoing support to combat occupational stress and administrative burdens that contribute to burnout.
Mental Health Crisis Among Healthcare Workers
A 2023 study revealed higher suicide rates among healthcare workers compared to other professions:
- Healthcare support workers: 21.4 per 100,000
- Registered nurses: 16.0 per 100,000
- Health technicians: 15.6 per 100,000
- Physicians: 13.1 per 100,000
- Non-healthcare workers: 12.6 per 100,000
Dr. Breen, who worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, tragically took her own life at age 49. Her story underscores the pressing need for mental health resources in the healthcare sector.
Why Reauthorizing the Lorna Breen Act Matters
Advocates argue that reauthorizing the bill will:
✔️ Expand mental health support programs for healthcare professionals
✔️ Ensure grants for stress-reduction initiatives in hospitals and clinics
✔️ Remove career-related barriers to seeking mental health care
✔️ Improve access to well-being services without fear of losing licensure
With burnout and suicide rates on the rise, the ADA and other organizations are calling for immediate action to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.