The U.S. House of Representatives passed the American College of Radiology® (ACR®)-supported Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 1667) by an overwhelming bipartisan 392 to 36 vote Dec. 8. The legislation, led by Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), seeks to provide mental health and substance-use disorder support for physicians and other healthcare providers, and address the stigma associated with healthcare providers seeking such help. The bill is named in honor of Lorna Breen, MD, an emergency physician from New York City who died by suicide in April 2020.
While the year-end legislative calendar remains in flux, the ACR is cautiously optimistic that the Senate will soon consider the legislation and possibly seek passage via the fast-tracked “unanimous consent” process, which would clear the way for President Biden to sign the bill into law.
The ACR will continue to update members as the bill progresses. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Megan Marcinko, ACR Director of Government Affairs.