There is a myth of a requirement for probing questions on licensure and credentialing applications about clinicians’ past mental health, addiction, or substance use history. The truth is no federal regulatory agency requires these types of questions be asked on licensure and credentialing applications such as those used by state licensing boards, physician credentialing services, and professional liability insurance carriers. In fact, The Joint Commission and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), strongly discourage including these types of questions when collecting professional information from clinicians for credentialing, privileging or other purposes.Questions on state licensing applications and those used for hospital, medical group, and health plan credentialing should not deter physicians, faculty, residents, and students from getting the care they need. Use the resources below to learn more and advocate for change in your program or institution.
STFM Guidance for Program Director Response to Mental Health Questions
Stigma exists in the medical profession around seeking help for mental health, in part due to concerns about the potential impact to one’s career. Program directors may receive questions from trainees about the confidentiality of mental health treatment, or from state medical boards about the mental health of trainees applying for licensure. An STFM work group developed guidance to aid program directors in responding to such questions.
