AACOM Commends House Introduction of Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation would extend critical mental health funding for healthcare professionals

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) applauds U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) for introducing the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act, reaffirming Congress’ commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals. This bipartisan bill, which follows the Senate introduction on January 28, 2025, by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), would reauthorize funding to address burnout, suicide prevention and behavioral health challenges among healthcare workers.

“As osteopathic physicians, we are trained to see mental health as an essential part of overall wellness—for our patients and for ourselves,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “This legislation is an urgent and necessary step in ensuring that our healthcare workforce receives the resources needed to combat burnout and stress. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Dingell, Kiggans, McClellan and Miller-Meeks for championing this issue and joining their Senate colleagues in prioritizing the well-being of those who care for us.”

“Healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to serving their patients, often at the expense of their own physical and emotional wellbeing,” said Rep. Dingell. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that will provide much-needed resources to address the mental and behavioral health conditions doctors and nurses face and continue reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care.”

“America’s healthcare providers work from sun-up to sundown to provide lifesaving care to patients,” said Rep. Kiggans. “Their dedication to our communities is unmatched, but unfortunately our healthcare workers often face serious mental health challenges and don’t receive the support they need on the job. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I know that burnout and mental health challenges are very real threats in our healthcare workforce, especially given the all-demanding nature of the job. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues to support workers’ mental health with suicide prevention resources and improve our healthcare systems, ultimately providing better care for patients across the country.”

“As a physician, I know how critical it is to reduce healthcare worker burnout, which can be largely caused by administrative burdens,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Our bipartisan bill provides a multi-pronged approach to provide innovative trainings to address specific operational factors and develop suicide prevention resources. Better conditions for healthcare professionals are crucial in our mission for better healthcare outcomes for patients.”

“Health care professionals devote their lives to caring for others—too often, at the expense of their own mental health,” said Rep. McClellan. “Reauthorizing the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act will provide our health care heroes with resources and support they need and deserve. I thank Congresswoman Dingell for her leadership and look forward to working with her and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue these critical programs.”

The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act is also cosponsored by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

About AACOM:

Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 36,000 future physicians—25 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 42 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 67 teaching locations in 36 states.  To learn more about AACOM, please visit our website.

Contacts:

Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org

Christine DeCarlo
Senior Manager of Media and Public Affairs
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org