Wellness

Licensee health and wellness is a critical component in achieving the Oregon Medical Board's mission of protecting patients while promoting access to quality care. As stated in the American Medical Association's policy on Physician Health and Wellness, "When health or wellness is compromised, so may the safety and effectiveness of the medical care provided." See the Oregon Medical Board's Statement of Philosophy on Mental Health and Wellness for additional guidance.

OMB Adopting Mental Health Attestation Model for Licensure and Renewal Applications

The Oregon Medical Board recognizes that licensees encounter personal health conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders, just as their patients and fellow health care providers do. According to a 2022 survey conducted by The Physicians Foundation, nearly 40% of providers were afraid (or knew a colleague who was afraid) to seek mental health care because of questions asked as part of medical licensure or credentialing applications.

The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation challenged all medical boards to audit licensure and renewal mental health questions, change invasive or stigmatizing language, and communicate these changes to licensees.

To better support licensees in seeking the care they need without anxiety or trepidation, on April 6, 2023, the Board voted to remove intrusive and stigmatizing language around mental health care and treatment from licensure applications and renewals. The advisory statement uses supportive language around mental health and holds licensees and applicants accountable for their own well-being. The model makes it clear that self-care is patient care.

The advisory statement and attestation were included in applications effective June 1, 2023:

While there is still work to be done, this is a significant step in removing barriers to support and protecting licensees' mental health and wellbeing.

NEW: Oregon Health Authority Updates Attestation Questions for Credentialing, Recredentialing Applications

On January 29, 2024 the Advisory Committee for Physician Credentialing Information (ACPCI) convened and voted on recommendations sent in by interested groups to revise the 2023 Oregon Practitioner Credentialing and Recredentialing Applications (OPCA and OPRA). The approved recommendations were subsequently approved by OHA's Director Dr. Sejal Hathi and posted online on June 11, 2024. You can access the 2024 Applications, as well as the summary of 2024 changes, here.

Oregon is the first state in the U.S. to remove these questions from both licensing and credentialing applications.

The Oregon Wellness Program (OWP)

The Board supports a proactive, broad approach to licensee wellness. The Board's prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts have led to the inception of a statewide initiative known as the Oregon Wellness Program. This program "promotes the wellness of health care professionals through education, coordinated regional counseling services, telemedicine services, and research." Services are currently available statewide for both in-person and telehealth visits.

More information on the Oregon Wellness Program is available at oregonwellnessprogram.org.

Federal Bill Passes Intended to Reduce Stigma Faced By Health Care Professionals When Seeking Mental Health Services

The President signed into law an Act that establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers. Public Law 117-105, called the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, named for an ED physician who took her own life in April 2020 after treating patients with COVID-19. Section 3(a) specifically notes "(1) to encourage health care professionals to seek support and care for their mental health or substance use concerns, to help such professionals identify risk factors associated with suicide and mental health conditions, and to help such professionals learn how best to respond to such risks, with the goal of preventing suicide, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders; and (2) to address stigma associated with seeking mental health and substance use disorder services.

Other Available Wellness Programs

Lane County Medical Society Provider Wellness Program
Oregon Health and Science University Wellness Program
Hazelden Treatment Program for Health Care Professionals (Newberg, OR)

Depression, substance abuse, and even suicide are real and present factors among health care professionals. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org to chat online. Local crisis services can be found through the Oregon Health Authority. The following resources are also available for medical professionals and students:

Physician and Medical Student Depression and Suicide Prevention - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's website provides facts, resources, prevention programs, and a toolkit for residency programs to use following a suicide.
Healthcare Professionals & Suicide: A Guide to Awareness and Prevention - Suicide rates among health care workers and medical students are significantly higher compared to the general population. EduMed's website offers information on how to learn to recognize suicidal behavior in others, gather prevention tools and resources, and find out where to get help today.

Additional Resources

OMB Administrative Affairs Committee: Personal History Questions Review
In 2021, the OMB conducted a retrospective review of all initial applicants who answered affirmatively to questions regarding any mental, emotional, or physical health conditions. This study was meant to assess the necessity of these questions and the potential consequences of changing them. The results of that analysis led the Board to change its questions on July 1, 2021. However, the questions were not fully removed until June 1, 2023.
Journal of Medical Regulation: "Do Medical Licensing Questions on Health Conditions Pose a Barrier to Physicians Seeking Treatment? A Literature Review"
DrugStrategies.org provides support for individuals struggling with substance abuse and has compiled a comprehensive list of drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers and rehabilitation programs in Oregon.
Safe+Strong provides behavioral health resources for health care professionals, including crisis helplines and self-care tips.
The Oregon Medical Association has a list of wellness resources for physicians, PAs and students available on their website.
The American Medical Association Opinion 9.3.1 and 9.3.2 on Physician Health and Wellness directs physicians to maintain personal health and wellness and to seek help when health and wellness are compromised.
The International Conference on Physician Health is a conference held every other year that is hosted by the American Medical Association (AMA), Canadian Medical Association (CMA), or British Medical Association (BMA) on a rotating basis.
IBH stress, anxiety, resiliency, and self-care tip sheets:

AA Oregon helps individuals struggling with alcoholism find the help they need on a local basis. Meeting information and 24/7 addiction help are available online here or by calling 800-839-1686.
AMA’s Suicide Prevention Guide to Treat At-risk Patients
EduMed's stress management guide, How to Deal with College Stress as a Medical & Health Care Student, provides information and resources for health care and medical students.

The Oregon Medical Board does not endorse or recommend any individual program.

Continuing Education on Suicide Risk

Suicide is a major public health issue and among the leading causes of death in Oregon. There are more than 650 suicides in Oregon each year, and more than 2,000 hospitalizations due to suicide attempts. Individuals who attempt suicide, when not fatal, can have lasting health problems that may include brain damage, organ failure, depression and other mental health problems. Suicide also affects survivors and communities. In addition, suicide and other self-inflicted injuries result in an estimated $41.2 billion in combined medical and work loss costs in the United States annually.

In 2018, all health professional licensing boards in Oregon began reporting on whether licensees are taking continuing education on suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management. Senate Bill 48 (2017) requires licensees to report any such continuing education when renewing their state license to practice. The Oregon Medical Board encourages your participation in continuing education on this important public health issue. All continuing education on this topic is considered relevant to the practice of all licensees, regardless of specialty. These continuing education hours may be used to fulfill your required ongoing education to maintain your license.