Medical Licensing Board of Indiana makes changes to support physician well-being
The Medical Licensing Board of Indiana recently became the 41st state to update its medical board licensing applications to ensure that they are free from stigmatizing, inappropriate language about mental health or substance use.
Previously, the licensing application asked prospective licensees, “Are you now being, or have ever been treated for drug or alcohol abuse or addiction?” The Board, after working with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, Indiana State Medical Association and the AMA, removed that question and replaced it with the following:
“Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgement or that would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner?”
The new question is one first recommended in 2018 by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and subsequently adopted in policy by the AMA and also considered a national best practice by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.
“The research has made clear that asking about treatment when there is no current impairment deters physicians from seeking care,” said Corey Feist, CEO and co-founder of the Foundation. “We are grateful to the medical board for making it safer for physicians to get care in the Hoosier state.”
"We commend the Indiana Medical Licensing Board for taking this important step, which reflects a growing national consensus that physician well-being and patient safety go hand in hand," said Humayun Chaudhry, DO, MACP, FSMB President and CEO.
