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The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation Sept. 24 34 licensure boards and 375 hospitals for changing invasive and stigmatizing mental health questions in their licensing applications. 

"Hospitals and health systems are deeply committed to supporting the mental well-being of their workforces," said Robyn Begley, D.N.P., AHA chief nursing officer and American Organization for Nursing Leadership CEO. "We are seeing more health organizations adopt credentialing applications free from intrusive mental health questions and stigmatizing language. No health care worker should feel ashamed or experience barriers in seeking any health care services.” 

Begley and Chris DeRienzo, M.D., AHA chief physician executive and senior vice president, have encouraged hospitals and health systems to ensure that the questions asked on licensing, credentialing and other applications don’t perpetuate stigma or deter team members from seeking behavioral health services when needed.