Well-Being Law That Protects Confidentiality Now in Effect

August 22, 2024

Since August 1, Minnesota’s health system credentialing applications have been 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 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 or disclosure is required to meet a licensee’s obligation to report under Minnesota statute 147.111. This is related to reporting conduct that the person believes constitutes a grounds for discipline or a licensee’s ability to engage safely in the practice of medicine. 

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, the MMA subsidized the majority of the costs of the program for a pilot period. A limited number of subsidized spots are still available for $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.