This New Credentialing Shift Frees Physicians from Stigma in the Licensing Process
There is a new paradigm in credentialing that is empowering physicians to become credentialed without getting stigmatized about their mental health history
Medical groups, hospitals, and individual practitioners are stepping up their efforts to remove stigmatizing questions about mental health from state license verification and credentialing applications—when practices and practitioners seek medical licenses or membership in medical boards. By removing disgraceful questions about their mental health, physicians will no longer need to worry about disclosing their mental health history when applying for credentialing.
Currently, many state licensing and credentialing applications ask questions about an individual’s mental health history. This can be a barrier for people seeking to pursue a career in the medical field, as it can be seen as a sign of instability or a lack of qualifications. Furthermore, for those who have a history of mental health issues, it can be a source of shame and stigma when asked to share the same when applying for medical credentialing.
The Shift is Gaining Traction
The effort to remove mental health questions from applications is gaining traction, with several states already taking steps to do so. For example, Tennessee passed a law years back that prohibited licensing boards from asking medical professionals about their mental health history. Maryland also passed a similar law, and legislation is being considered in many other states.
How this Reform will Help Physicians
The removal of mental health questions from state licensing and credentialing applications is an important step toward reducing the stigma around mental health issues. It is encouraging to see that momentum is growing for this effort across the country. The reform will hopefully be followed by all states, enabling physicians to obtain medical licenses without their reputations being damaged in the credentialing process.
Capline Healthcare Management as a credible medical credentialing expert applauds this reform believing it to be a crucial step towards creating an inclusive healthcare system. This reform will enable practitioners to receive medical licenses without the fear of judgment or discrimination. We hope other states follow suit and further reduce the stigma surrounding physicians’ mental health.