The Hidden Enemy on the Frontline: When Medical Professionals Choose Their Profession Over Their Life

Authors

Deborah Horn J.D. Candidate, Belmont University College of Law

Abstract

This Note will discuss the disturbing mental health crisis in the medical community and how the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue. Additionally, this Note will discuss why licensure questions regarding mental health contribute and lead to a stigmatization of mental health treatment and unwillingness of both medical school students and practicing physicians from seeking treatment. This Note will also discuss how similar law licensure questions have been outlawed after litigation, yet similar progress has not been shown in medical licensure. Next this Note will discuss The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. Finally, this Note advances two ways Congress can address this issue (1) urging states to change their licensure questionnaires, thus helping alleviate the fear amongst the medical community and (2) providing funding for a confidential mental health treatment program available to any medical professional who can thus seek treatment without fear and embarrassment.

Recommended Citation

Horn, Deborah J.D. Candidate (2022) "The Hidden Enemy on the Frontline: When Medical Professionals Choose Their Profession Over Their Life," Belmont Health Law Journal: Vol. 6, Article 8.
Available at: https://repository.belmont.edu/healthlaw/vol6/iss1/8