A new study reveals that the way licensing boards ask questions about mental illness on their license applications/renewals can influence physicians' reluctance to seek treatment for a mental health condition. Two-thirds of US states ask the broad question of whether applicants have ever been treated for a mental health condition or are currently diagnosed with a condition. The research found that such wording could be causing physicians to forego treatment for fear of negative action against their licenses. The research suggests that boards should instead ask if applicants are currently suffering from any condition that keeps them from performing their job.
October 17, 2017
