H.R.929 - Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 929, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act, seeks to reauthorize and amend the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. The bill aims to support the mental health of healthcare providers by extending funding and expanding the scope of existing programs.
Specifically, it extends the Education and Awareness Initiative and Programs to Promote Mental Health Among the Health Professional Workforce through 2030. The bill also introduces a focus on reducing administrative burdens on healthcare workers within these programs.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 4, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
The reauthorization will ensure continued funding and support for programs designed to address mental health and substance use disorders among healthcare professionals. By extending the programs through 2030, the bill provides long-term stability for these initiatives.
The added focus on reducing administrative burdens could lead to more effective and accessible mental health services for healthcare workers. This may improve overall well-being and reduce burnout within the healthcare workforce.
Ultimately, this could lead to better patient care and a more resilient healthcare system.
Potential Benefits
- Continued Support for Mental Health: Ensures ongoing resources for healthcare providers' mental health and substance use disorder services.
- Long-Term Stability: Extends programs through 2030, providing stability and allowing for long-term planning.
- Focus on Administrative Burden: Addresses a key contributor to healthcare worker burnout, potentially improving mental health outcomes.
- Improved Access to Services: May lead to increased accessibility and utilization of mental health services by healthcare professionals.
- Better Patient Care: A healthier healthcare workforce can provide higher quality care to patients.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Inefficient Spending: Extended funding without rigorous oversight could lead to inefficient use of resources.
- Limited Scope: The bill primarily focuses on mental health services and may not address other factors contributing to healthcare worker burnout.
- Administrative Challenges: Implementing the focus on reducing administrative burden may present logistical and bureaucratic challenges.
- Lack of Specific Metrics: The bill does not specify measurable outcomes or performance indicators for the programs.
- Potential for Unintended Consequences: Changes to existing programs could have unforeseen negative impacts on service delivery.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to support the well-being of healthcare providers, which ultimately benefits the public. Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters related to public health under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as healthcare impacts interstate commerce.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. The bill does not infringe upon freedom of speech, religion, or other fundamental rights.
Overall, the bill seems to operate within the constitutional framework.
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).