USA: Why states are tackling physicians’ concerns about mental health treatment

Medical doctors face higher rates of burnout and depression than the general population and are twice as likely to die by suicide. The risks were magnified at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, but the problem existed long before that.

More than 40% of physicians, medical school students and residents cite fear of disclosure requirements on licensure forms as a main reason they don’t seek mental health care, according to the American Medical Association (AMA), which has been pushing for legislative and regulatory changes.

More states and health systems are amending licensure and credentialing forms to remove mental-health-related questions, such as asking about whether a doctor sought mental health care or treatment, or received a mental health diagnosis. Others have codified such changes into state law.

The rationale for asking about mental health was to ensure patient safety. The AMA says safety can be addressed with general language that asks whether a physician is suffering from any impairment that could interfere with patient care.

“Having any past diagnosis of a mental health need or a substance use problem is often not relevant,” said AMA President Jesse Ehrenfeld. “The key inquiry ought to be whether the impairment represents a current concern for safety and the physician’s ability to provide competent professional care.”

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Source: The Washington Post, 18 February 2025