Change encourages doctors to seek care without fear – strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving patient outcomes

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has been recognized as a 2025 Wellbeing First Champion for removing intrusive mental health questions from the state’s medical license applications – a change designed to help physicians seek care without fear of professional repercussions.

The honor comes from ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, a national coalition of healthcare organizations. Until recently, Alabama licensing applications asked physicians about past mental health or substance abuse treatment, even when unrelated to their current ability to provide safe care. Such questions have discouraged doctors from getting help, contributing to higher rates of burnout, depression and suicide than in the general population.

“Anyone who needs help should never fear seeking it, including doctors,” said Dr. Max Rogers, Chair of the Board of Medical Examiners. “Our revised licensing policies make it clear that we are focused on a doctor’s ability to provide safe care today, not on past treatment that has no bearing on their current practice.”

The Medical Association of the State of Alabama requested the change, which follows a comprehensive review of all applications, forms and addendums to remove stigmatizing language. Forms now ask about conditions or treatments that may currently impair a physician’s ability to practice safely.

“Doctors are human. Like everyone, they deserve the right to pursue mental healthcare without fear of losing their job or license,” said Dr. Mark LeQuire, President of the Medical Association. “By reducing stigma and removing barriers to treatment, we are protecting the well-being of physicians, and that means better care for patients.”

The reform aligns with best practices recommended by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, named for a physician who died by suicide in 2020. According to the foundation, 50 licensure boards and 635 hospitals nationwide have eliminated intrusive mental health questions from their applications.

“Across the country, health workers are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder of ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our Wellbeing First Champions for their leadership to support the wellbeing of health workers.”

The Board of Medical Examiners also urges healthcare professionals to use the confidential Alabama Professionals Health Program (APHP), which offers case management, workplace monitoring and advocacy for those facing depression, anxiety, burnout or substance use issues.

“This is about strengthening the entire healthcare system,” Dr. Rogers added. “A healthy physician workforce is essential for safe, compassionate patient care.”

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About the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners: The Board is the state regulatory and law enforcement agency responsible for regulating the practice of medicine in Alabama. Learn more at www.albme.gov.

About ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare: Learn more at www.allinforhealthcare.org.