March 7, 2025: State Advocacy Update

Thirty-four state medical licensing boards and 521 hospitals across the U.S. have now verified that their licensing or credentialing applications are free from intrusive mental health questions and stigmatizing language, according to a press release from the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation on Feb. 20. 

This represents a 17% increase in state medical boards and a 39% increase in hospitals since Sept. 2024, and covers 1.25 million licensed and 200,000 credentialed health workers.  

“With each update to remove intrusive mental health questions from licensing and credentialing applications, we are taking important steps to support and strengthen the healthcare community,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD, in the release. “Stigma still prevents many physicians and physicians-in-training from seeking needed care due to fear of professional repercussions. Physicians are human too, and they deserve the same care they provide to patients. The AMA is proud to continue work with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation to advance forward progress and ensure every licensing board, hospital, health system and credentialing body in the nation updates their applications.” 

Since Feb. 20, several additional hospitals have already ensured that their credentialing applications do not include intrusive questions about past treatment or diagnosis of mental health or substance use disorder, including:  

• Lahey Hospital & Medical Center 

• UT Health Austin - Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin 

• Children’s Mercy Kansas City 

• Trinity Health 

• University of Rochester Medical Center 

“A healthy workforce is essential for safe, quality patient care. Yet health workers are experiencing a mental health crisis, with unprecedented rates of burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “Stigmatizing policies and practices discourage health workers from seeking mental health care, and this progress is evidence that we can work together, change the system and prioritize the mental health for those who care for us.” 

The AMA strongly encourages all states, hospitals and health systems to review their licensing, credentialing and other applications to identify and remove any stigmatizing and potentially discriminatory questions about mental health or substance use disorder that may deter physicians from seeking care. To view the full list of medical boards and hospitals, and to take action in your own state or organization, visit the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation website or contact the AMA Advocacy Resource Center. 

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