MMA Physician Wellness Legislation Heard in Senate Judiciary Committee

March 28, 2024

An MMA priority bill to improve physician wellness went before its second Senate committee on March 27.

“Our physicians are in trouble,” Sen. Kelly Morrison, MD, SF 3531’s chief author, told the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Burnout for healthcare professionals is a real problem that is getting worse.”   

 Morrison cited that six in 10 physicians have experienced symptoms of burnout, one in three have felt hopelessness or that they have no purpose, and more than half know another physician who has considered, attempted, or died by suicide. 

The legislation has four parts:  

1) It prohibits health system credentialing applications from inquiring about an applicant’s past health conditions. These questions have no impact on a person’s ability to practice and could discourage physicians from seeking treatment.  

2) It creates a program through which physicians can seek and obtain professional help to address career fatigue and wellness. The bill requires that participation in this program be confidential.  

3) It creates a statewide wellness recognition program to publicly recognize Minnesota healthcare institutions that have committed to creating and sustaining positive work environments that prevent burnout, foster professional well-being, and support quality care.  

4) It includes a one-time investment in a statewide campaign to educate the healthcare workforce about the importance of clinician well-being, encourage physicians to get care when needed, and reduce the stigma of mental health treatment. 

There was comparatively little discussion on the legislation, before the committee passed it unanimously and referred it back to the Health and Human Services Committee. That committee will evaluate the fiscal appropriations in the bill for possible inclusion in their health and human services omnibus bill.