States Shift Policy for Health Workers Seeking Mental Care.

States across the U.S. are moving to redefine the circumstances under which medical professionals can seek mental health or additional treatment without the risk of automatically notifying the regulatory boards that oversee the licenses. This shift is aimed at encouraging health care workers to pursue counseling or addiction treatment earlier, without fear that such actions could jeopardize their careers.

Montana, among other states, is working to improve access to confidential care for health professionals, ensuring they are not considered a danger to themselves or their patients.

Those who do report mental health troubles would be flagged by state workers as a potential concern.