OLYMPIA – In the face of mounting stress and burnout, healthcare providers are leaving the profession at alarming rates—threatening the quality of care for communities across the state. To address this crisis, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 1718 last Saturday. Brought forward by Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue), the legislation will protect physician well-being and ensure workforce retention by offering vital support without fear of legal repercussions.
House Bill 1718 defines a physician well-being program as a formal initiative focused on career fatigue and wellness, allowing participants to seek peer support without concern of mandatory reporting unless the physician is found to be unable to practice safely. The bill also ensures that program records remain confidential, fostering a stigma-free environment for providers to address their emotional exhaustion.
“This bill aims to create safe spaces for physicians to seek support without fear of legal repercussions,” said Rep. Thai. “By providing confidential peer-to-peer support and connecting providers to essential health resources, we can reduce burnout and retain a healthy workforce committed to serving their communities.”
Investing in the mental health and retention of our healthcare providers is essential to the long-term stability and sustainability of the healthcare workforce. HB 1718 awaits further consideration in the Senate. Learn more about HB 1718 by clicking here or on the image below:
