H.R.2591 - Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2591, the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025, aims to revise FAA regulations concerning the disclosure of mental health diagnoses by aviation personnel. The bill mandates updates to regulations, consultation with stakeholders, and annual reviews of mental health special issuance processes. It also authorizes appropriations for additional aviation medical examiners and a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care in the aviation industry.
Expected Effects
The bill seeks to encourage aviation professionals to seek help for mental health conditions without fear of professional repercussions. This will be achieved through regulatory changes, increased resources for medical examiners, and a public awareness campaign. The intended outcome is a safer aviation environment due to improved mental health support for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Potential Benefits
- Encourages individuals in the aviation industry to seek mental health care by reducing stigma and fear of professional repercussions.
- Improves the special issuance process for pilots and air traffic controllers, making it easier for them to receive necessary medical clearances.
- Increases the number of aviation medical examiners, reducing backlogs and improving access to evaluations.
- Enhances mental health knowledge and training for aviation medical examiners.
- Promotes a safer aviation environment by addressing mental health concerns proactively.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill requires significant appropriations, which could strain the federal budget if not managed effectively.
- Implementation of the new regulations and policies may face resistance from stakeholders or bureaucratic hurdles.
- The effectiveness of the public information campaign in destigmatizing mental health care is uncertain.
- There may be unintended consequences from reclassifying medications or delegating additional authority to aviation medical examiners.
- The two-year timeframe for implementing recommendations may be insufficient to address all the complexities involved.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public safety in the aviation industry by addressing mental health concerns. Specifically, the preamble states the intention to "promote the general Welfare." The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or freedoms protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).