Physician Well-being Protections Kick in August 1

August 1, 2024

Beginning today (August 1), Minnesota’s health system credentialing applications are prohibited from inquiring about an applicant’s past health conditions.  

This protection is part of the MMA’s well-being legislative package, a top MMA priority in the 2024 legislative session. The MMA has long argued that these questions have no impact on a person’s ability to practice and too often discourage physicians from seeking treatment. 

Additionally, the 2024 law now requires that participation in the MMA’s SafeHaven program be completely confidential. Through MMA’s SafeHaven program, physicians may seek and obtain confidential care for career fatigue and well-being. The program provides a full suite of resources for career fatigue and work/life balance; and, as of August 1, participation in it is protected from discovery, subpoena, or reporting to the licensing board, unless the person voluntarily provides for written release of the information. 

The MMA’s SafeHaven program aims to support physicians and their family as they navigate the demands of work and life. In partnership with VITAL WorkLife, the program offers clinician peer coaching, virtual or in-person counseling, work/life concierge services, access to the VITAL WorkLife App, and more.  To test the concept, MMA subsidized the majority of the costs of the program for a pilot period. Limited subsidized spots are still available for only $99 for a subscription good through December 31, 2024. 

For more information on SafeHaven, or to enroll, please click here or reach out to Kristen Gloege, the MMA’s program manager.