Bill would improve behavioral health services

Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Todd Young, R-Ind., this week introduced the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 7153/S. 3679). Supported by AONL and the American Hospital Association, the bill reauthorizes through 2029 grants to help health care organizations offer behavioral health services for front-line health care workers. Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., Susan Wild, D-Pa., Buddy Carter, R-Ga., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., introduced companion legislation in the House. The bill, named in honor of Lorna Breen, MD, an emergency room physician who committed suicide during the pandemic, seeks to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. The original law has already provided $100 million in funding for mental health care for U.S. providers. (Kaine news release, 1/30/24)