The reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act marks an ongoing effort to support the mental health of health care professionals. This bipartisan legislation not only continues the legacy of Dr. Lorna Breen but also reflects the importance of a robust mental health infrastructure for those on the front lines of medical care.
The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act is up for reauthorization. A bipartisan bill in Congress demonstrates ongoing support for the mental health of health care professionals. What’s the latest on this legislation?
Dr. Lorna Breen
Dr. Lorna Breen was an emergency physician and medical director at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital in Manhattan. She was known for her dedication during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which took a severe toll on her mental health. After her death by suicide in April 2020, her family founded the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation to improve mental health support for health care workers.
The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act was enacted in 2022 to help break down the stigma that often prevents medical professionals from seeking help. The bill established a new standard for embedding mental health into health care practices, reinforcing the idea that provider well-being is vital to delivering quality patient care.
Key Provisions of the Reauthorization
The reauthorization would extend critical programs from 2026-2030, focusing on:
- Grant Programs: Continued funding for health care organizations and professional associations to implement strategies that reduce burnout, provide peer support, and offer mental health treatment.
- Educational Initiatives: Support for health profession schools to train students and professionals in preventing suicide, burnout, and substance use disorders.
- Awareness Campaigns: Expansion of national campaigns to educate health care leaders on evidence-based solutions to mitigate provider burnout and promote well-being.
This extended funding at $45 million annually, totaling $225 million over five years prioritizes communities with health care worker shortages, rural areas, and those experiencing high levels of burnout due to administrative burdens.
Bicameral Support Reflects National Consensus
The act’s reauthorization has garnered support from both sides of the political aisle, demonstrating a strong commitment to address the mental health crisis among health care workers. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Todd Young (R-IN), along with Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) and Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01), have been instrumental in championing this cause.
Outlook for the Breen Act
Corey Feist, CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, has been making the rounds in Congress advocating for the bill’s reauthorization. Despite bipartisan support, there is no clear path yet for the legislation.
Congressional Democrats remain frustrated that the measure wasn’t renewed in December 2024, blaming its failure in part on social media posts by Elon Musk that were later backed by Donald Trump. Musk tweeted that the health care package, which included this bill, should not pass Congress.
Partisanship again is prevailing in Congress over budget legislation to reduce Medicaid spending and extend tax cuts. The Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), remains supportive but has deferred action on the measure so far. When the subcommittee unanimously advanced the measure in March 2024, Carter called it a “landmark” law and a “lifeline for health workers.” While acknowledging that Congress is currently focused on other priorities, he recently expressed confidence that the Breen Act will ultimately be renewed, saying, “It will be alright.”
Looking Ahead
The timing of reauthorizing the Breen Act is uncertain, but the urgency of addressing health care worker burnout remains. As Congress wrestles with competing priorities, this legislation serves as a reminder that providers’ mental well-being must not be overlooked.