[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 610 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 69
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 610
To address behavioral health and well-being among health care
professionals.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 4, 2021
Mr. Kaine (for himself, Mr. Young, Mr. Reed, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. King,
Mrs. Capito, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Collins, Mr. Warner, Ms. Smith, Ms.
Rosen, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Sinema, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Tester, Mr. Van
Hollen, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Peters, Ms. Murkowski, Ms. Duckworth, Ms.
Klobuchar, Mr. Markey, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Brown, and Mrs.
Shaheen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
June 8, 2021
Reported by Mrs. Murray, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To address behavioral health and well-being among health care
professionals.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care
Provider Protection Act''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 2. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING TRAINING FOR HEALTH
CARE PROFESSIONALS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 764. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING TRAINING FOR
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Grant Program.--The Secretary shall establish a
program to award grants to health professions schools, academic health
centers, State or local governments, or other appropriate public or
private nonprofit entities for funding and participation in health
professions and nursing training activities for the training of health
care students, residents, or professionals in evidence-informed
strategies to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, behavioral health
conditions, including mental health conditions and substance use
disorders, among health care professionals, and in evidence-informed
strategies to improve health care professionals' well-being and job
satisfaction.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under
subsection (a), an entity described in such subsection shall submit to
the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Reporting Requirement.--Each entity awarded a grant
under this section shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report
evaluating the activities supported by the grant.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Best Practices.--The Secretary may identify and
disseminate evidence-informed best practices for reducing and
preventing suicide and burnout among health care professionals, and
training health care professionals in appropriate strategies and
promoting their mental and behavioral health and job satisfaction. Such
best practices shall include specific recommendations for reducing and
preventing suicide, burnout, and other mental and behavioral health
concerns among health care professionals during or in the aftermath of
a pandemic, natural disaster, or other crisis.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this
section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 3. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING USE OF
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES BY HEALTH CARE
PROFESSIONALS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), acting
through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
and in consultation with the medical professional community, shall
establish a national evidence-based education and awareness campaign
targeting health care professionals to encourage such professionals to
seek support and treatment for their own mental and behavioral health
concerns, help such professionals identify risk factors in themselves
and others and learn how best to respond to such risks, with the goal
of reducing or preventing suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral
health conditions, and to address stigma associated with seeking mental
and behavioral health support and treatment.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Reporting.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide an update on the
campaign's progress, including a plan for evaluation that includes
quantitative and qualitative metrics, and a media and dissemination
plan, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2022 through 2026.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO PROMOTE MENTAL AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AMONG THEIR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
WORKFORCE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.), as amended by section 2, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 764A. GRANTS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO PROMOTE
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AMONG THEIR HEALTH
PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to
health care providers, including medical professional associations, to
establish or expand evidence-informed programs dedicated to promoting
mental and behavioral health among their employees (including
contractors) or members who are working on the front lines of the SARS-
CoV-2 pandemic.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Use of Grant Funds.--A health care provider awarded
a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts under the grant to
implement a new program or protocol or expand an existing program or
protocol to promote mental and behavioral health among employees
(including contractors) or members who have previously treated or
otherwise served, or are currently treating or otherwise serving,
patients diagnosed with COVID-19, which may include any of the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) Educating employees, including contractors,
or membership about risk factors for and signs of self-harm and
suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions in
accordance with evidence-based practices and
standards.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Establishing new or enhancing existing
evidence-based programs or protocols for preventing mental and
behavioral health conditions, suicide, or self-harm.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Establishing new or enhancing existing peer-
support programs among employees (including contractors) or
members.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Mental and behavioral health treatment,
follow up services and care, or referral for such services
identified as appropriate as a result of the screenings or
prevention programs and protocol described in paragraphs (1)
and (2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Grant Terms.--A grant awarded under subsection (a)--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) shall be for a period of 3 years;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) may be renewed subject to the requirements
of this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Application Submission.--A health care provider
seeking a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such
information as the Secretary may require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(e) Priority.--Priority shall be given to applications
from health care providers located in current or former COVID-19
hotspots, as determined by the Secretary or health care providers which
have diagnosed or treated a higher share of COVID-19 patients, as
determined by the Secretary.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(f) Reporting.--A health care provider awarded a grant
under subsection (a) shall periodically submit to the Secretary a
report evaluating the activities supported by the grant.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this
section, there is authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for the
period of fiscal years 2022 through 2024.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 5. COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL MENTAL
AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND BURNOUT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.), as amended by section 4, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 764B. COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND BURNOUT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with
stakeholders, shall conduct a review and submit recommendations to
Congress on policies to improve health care professional mental health
and prevent burnout.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Considerations.--The study under subsection (a)
shall focus on identifying--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) the factors that contribute to mental and
behavioral health conditions and burnout among health care
professionals;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) the barriers to seeking and accessing mental
and behavioral health treatment for health care professionals,
including stigma and concerns about licensing and
credentialing;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) the implications of poor mental and
behavioral health and burnout among health care professionals
for the health care system, the health care workforce, and
patient outcomes;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the
mental and behavioral health of health care professionals and
related preparedness strategies for future health
emergencies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) the factors that promote mental and
behavioral health and resiliency among health care
professionals, including programs or protocols that strengthen
mental and behavioral health or prevent burnout among health
care professionals; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(6) the efficacy of health professional training
programs that promote resiliency and improve mental
health.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Recommendations.--The study required under
subsection (a) shall include recommendations related to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) improving mental and behavioral health and
preventing burnout among health care professionals;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) removing barriers to mental and behavioral
health care for health care professionals; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) strategies to promote resiliency among
health care professionals and other employees and contractors
in health care settings.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Completion.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
study under subsection (a) is completed and submitted to Congress and
made publicly available not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for
the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2024.''.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider
Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. DISSEMINATION OF BEST PRACTICES.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act
as the ``Secretary'') shall identify and disseminate evidence-based or
evidence-informed best practices for preventing suicide and improving
mental health and resiliency among health care professionals, and for
training health care professionals in appropriate strategies to promote
their mental health. Such best practices shall include recommendations
related to preventing suicide and improving mental health and
resiliency among health care professionals.
SEC. 3. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS INITIATIVE ENCOURAGING USE OF MENTAL
HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES BY HEALTH CARE
PROFESSIONALS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with relevant
stakeholders, including medical professional associations, shall
establish a national evidence-based or evidence-informed education and
awareness initiative to encourage health care professionals to seek
support and care for their mental health or substance use concerns, to
help such professionals identify risk factors associated with suicide
and mental health conditions, and to help such professionals learn how
best to respond to such risks, with the goal of preventing suicide,
mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, and to address
stigma associated with seeking mental health and substance use disorder
services.
(b) Reporting.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives an update on the
activities and outcomes of the initiative under subsection (a),
including a description of quantitative and qualitative metrics used to
evaluate such activities and outcomes.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2022 through 2024.
SEC. 4. GRANTS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AMONG THE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
WORKFORCE.
Subpart I of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C.. 294n et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 764. GRANTS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AMONG THE HEALTH
PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants related to
improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals.
``(b) Grants to Promote Mental Health Among Health Care
Professionals.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to
health care entities, including entities that provide health
care services, such as hospitals, community health centers, and
rural health clinics, or to medical professional associations,
to establish or enhance evidence-based or evidence-informed
programs dedicated to improving mental health and resiliency
for health care professionals.
``(2) Use of funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant
under this subsection shall use amounts under the grant to
implement a new program or enhance an existing program to
promote mental health among health care professionals, which
may include--
``(A) improving awareness among health care
professionals about risk factors for, and signs of,
suicide and mental health or substance use disorders,
in accordance with evidence-based or evidence-informed
practices;
``(B) establishing new, or enhancing existing,
evidence-based or evidence-informed programs for
preventing suicide and improving mental health and
resiliency among health care professionals;
``(C) establishing new, or enhancing existing,
peer-support programs among health care professionals;
or
``(D) providing mental health care, follow-up
services and care, or referral for such services and
care, as appropriate.
``(3) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subsection,
the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities in
health professional shortage areas or rural areas.
``(c) Training Grants.--The Secretary may establish a program to
award grants to health professions schools, academic health centers,
State or local governments, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, or
other appropriate public or private nonprofit entities (or consortia of
entities, including entities promoting multidisciplinary approaches) to
support the training of health care students, residents, or health care
professionals in evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to
address mental and substance use disorders and improve mental health
and resiliency among health care professionals.
``(d) Grant Terms.--A grant awarded under subsection (b) or (c)
shall be for a period of 3 years.
``(e) Application Submission.--An entity seeking a grant under
subsection (b) or (c) shall submit an application to the Secretary at
such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the
Secretary may require.
``(f) Reporting.--An entity awarded a grant under subsection (b) or
(c) shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the
activities supported by the grant.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section
and section 5 of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection
Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2022 through 2024.''.
SEC. 5. REVIEW WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH
AND RESILIENCY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with relevant
stakeholders, shall conduct a review and, not later than 3 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report to Congress related
to improving health care professional mental health and resiliency and
the outcomes of programs authorized under this Act.
(b) Considerations.--The review under subsection (a) shall take
into account--
(1) factors that contribute to mental health conditions;
(2) barriers to seeking and accessing mental health care
for health care professionals, which may include consideration
of stigma and licensing concerns, and actions taken by State
licensing boards, schools for health professionals, health care
professional training associations, hospital associations, or
other organizations, as appropriate, to address such barriers;
(3) the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency on
the mental health of health care professionals and lessons
learned for future public health emergencies;
(4) factors that promote mental health and resiliency among
health care professionals, including programs or strategies to
strengthen mental health and resiliency among health care
professionals; and
(5) the efficacy of health professional training programs
that promote resiliency and improve mental health.
(c) Recommendations.--The review under subsection (a), as
appropriate, shall identify best practices related to, and make
recommendations to address--
(1) improving mental health and resiliency among health
care professionals;
(2) removing barriers to mental health care for health care
professionals; and
(3) strategies to promote resiliency among health care
professionals in health care settings.
Calendar No. 69
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 610
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To address behavioral health and well-being among health care
professionals.
_______________________________________________________________________
June 8, 2021
Reported with an amendment