Confidentiality protection expansion OK’d for health care providers in wellness programs

Last year, the Legislature invested $250,000 into the Treat Yourself First Campaign to work toward lessening stigma around health care workers seeking mental health services and support. It also passed confidentiality protections for physicians participating in wellness programs.

Rep. Liz Reyer

A bill headed to the House Floor would expand confidentiality protections to all health care workers.

“We know that we’re losing health care providers from the field because of the burnout, the stress,” said Rep. Liz Reyer (DFL-Eagan), who sponsors HF3978 that was approved on a split vote by the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.

No one spoke against the bill, but the Minnesota Medical Association submitted a brief that advocates for the expansion of confidentiality protections.

“Recent studies document self-stigmatizing beliefs and fears of professional consequences as common reasons health care professionals avoid care, including concerns about confidentiality, licensing, and career impact,” the brief states. “In addition, research among nurses finds that those experiencing higher burnout are less likely to seek psychological help, underscoring the continued relevance of stigma around help seeking among healthcare professionals.”