Healthcare professionals nationwide suffer from work-related pressures that often lead to issues with mental health and even addiction. However, when healthcare workers seek assistance, it's frequently a choice between getting help and keeping their credentials. Nevertheless, legislation in Virginia has become an outline for reform that keeps healthcare professionals seeking treatment for mental health issues from facing scrutiny from licensure boards. If you are a healthcare professionals are threatened with adverse action, contact the Lento Law Firm now at 888-535-3686 or visit us online to get the legal help you need. 

Virginia Leads Mental Health Reform  

Since 2020, states have begun redefining when and how medical professionals can obtain needed mental health treatment without being monitored, limited, or punished by licensing boards. Now, well over a dozen have confidential wellness programs that provide an early pathway to mitigate mental health issues, each based partially on Virginia legislation creating the SafeHaven program. 

SafeHaven provides a resource for healthcare professionals seeking support to address burnout, career fatigue, and mental health issues without the fear of repercussions to their medical license. The program is available to physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and pharmacists, including students in each field. Still, lawmakers are advocating for further changes, such as making healthcare professionals disclose only current mental health conditions on licensure applications and renewals, not past diagnoses. 

What Happens When You Seek Assistance for Mental Health Issues? 

Although states have programs to help licensed professionals in need of mental health treatment, there is still a long way to go in their acceptance within some respective industries. Many allow licensees to seek treatment and remain anonymous for a period of time. However, once an individual enters that program, they are medically monitored and left to the deference of the program officials. Depending on the parameters of the program, they may be compelled to release the names and identities of licensees, such as when one demonstrates the inability to perform job functions. 

Additionally, during the renewal period for licenses in the healthcare field, those who do report struggles with mental health issues are flagged as a potential concern. Therefore, licensees can easily end up before the board's screening or hearing panel where it will determine whether to revoke a license or refer someone for long-term monitoring. 

How Can the Lento Law Firm Help?  

Until more states adopt Virginia's model to protect healthcare workers' credentials, licensees must beware of state authorities that seek to revoke them. Fortunately, you have a dedicated lifeline for defense with the Lento Law Firm. 

The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team understands that the pressure placed on healthcare workers can lead to undue stress. Although your state may not have Virginia-inspired reforms that make it easier to obtain solutions for mental health issues, that doesn't mean you need to worry. Our team will defend you before your respective licensing board and ensure you get the help you need to continue your career. Call us now at 888-535-3686 or visit us online.