Resolution: S-20-16: ENDORSE REMOVING MENTAL HEALTH QUESTIONS FROM MEDICAL LICENSING APPLICATIONS FOR PHYSICIANS

[Valerie Lile]

1  WHEREAS, physicians have a higher suicide rate than any other profession and die by suicide at a rate
2  more than twice that of the general population; and

3  WHEREAS, physicians who die from suicides are less likely to be receiving mental health care; and

4  WHEREAS, physicians do not pursue mental health care specifically because they are afraid of
5  professional repercussions; and

6  WHEREAS, state medical boards may be hindering physician access to mental health care by requiring
7  physicians to answer mental health questions that violate the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;
8  and

9  WHEREAS, these questions are a violation of physicians’ confidentiality and privacy; and

10  WHEREAS, some state medical boards have already revised the language in their licensure forms to
11  comply with ADA standards; and

12  WHEREAS, various specialty and state organizations have released official statements requesting that
13  the current licensure language be changed; and

14  WHEREAS, there is mounting evidence that patient care may suffer and medical errors are more likely
15  when physicians are suffering from mental illness; now, therefore, be it

16  RESOLVED, that the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) endorses removing mental health
17  questions from all medical licensing applications.

Explanatory Statement

The purpose of this resolution is to encourage 100% nonpunitive mental health care for physicians. We hope to achieve this by endorsing the removal of mental health questions from all medical licensing applications and replacing them with questions about impairment. Physicians have a suicide rate more than twice that of the general population, and state medical boards may be hindering physician access to mental health care by requiring physicians to answer mental health questions. By accomplishing this, we aim to develop a culture of physician well-being where engaged and satisfied clinicians provide better, safer, more compassionate care for patients.

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Submitted by:

Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (SAACOFP) Resolutions Committee 2019-2020
Ashley Bisnow, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Leslie Shelton, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jasjit Dhillon, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Action Taken: [Leave Blank. Will be Approved by the House of Delegates or Not Approved.]
Date: [Leave Blank. Date submitted to National Vice President and the National Office.]
Effective Time Period: Ongoing

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