Medical licensing body in Alabama recognized for decreasing mental health stigma in their practices
The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has taken a significant step towards supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals by aligning its reforms with the best practices recommended by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation. This move comes at a time when health workers across the country are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions.
Until recently, physicians seeking a license in Alabama had to answer questions about past mental health or substance abuse treatment. However, the stigmatizing language in these questions may have contributed to higher rates of burnout, depression, and suicide among doctors. Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized or losing their jobs.
Recognizing the need for change, the Alabama Medical Association flagged the questions for containing stigmatizing language and requested their removal. The Board of Medical Examiners has since complied, removing intrusive mental health questions from the state's medical license applications.
The revised licensing policies focus on a doctor's ability to provide safe care today, not on past treatment. This shift in approach is aimed at strengthening the entire healthcare system. As Dr. Max Rogers, chair of the Board of Medical Examiners, stated, "Doctors should never fear seeking mental health treatment." Dr. Mark LeQuire, president of the Medical Association, added that doctors deserve the right to pursue mental healthcare without fear of losing their job or license.
The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners will join 50 other licensure boards and 635 hospitals across the country that have eliminated intrusive mental health questions from their applications. This decision is expected to protect the well-being of physicians, leading to better care for patients.
Removing barriers to treatment and reducing stigma may be crucial in protecting the mental health of healthcare professionals. According to statistics, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. The stigmatizing language included in the now-defunct questions could have discouraged providers from seeking their own mental health treatment.
The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation is named after a physician who died by suicide in 2020. The Foundation advocates for mental health support in the healthcare industry and is committed to eradicating the stigma associated with seeking help.
For more information, please contact Alex Jobin at ajobin@our website. A healthy physician workforce is essential for safe, compassionate patient care, and these reforms are a significant step towards achieving that goal. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has been recognised as a 2025 Wellbeing First Champion by ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, further affirming their commitment to supporting the mental health of healthcare professionals.
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