Casten, Chavez-DeRemer Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Mental Health Care for Aviators
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05) introduced the bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, legislation to eliminate barriers to mental health care for aviators.
“Pilots and air traffic controllers should not be unfairly penalized for seeking mental health care by a system that perpetuates a culture of silence,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The Mental Health in Aviation Act bolsters mental health care access for aviators by requiring the FAA to eliminate the main barriers to care, direct continuous improvement to the special issuance process, and ensure pilots and air traffic controllers have access to help should they need it.”
“Pilots and air traffic controllers have to be prepared to operate under high pressure and intense, stressful situations. Providing access to mental health care for aviators will also help keep passengers and crew safe,” Rep. Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m proud to join Congressman Casten to introduce the bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, which will ensure these men and women can receive the help they need to do their jobs effectively and improve air travel safety.”
"The Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC) thanks Representatives Casten and Chavez-DeRemer for their leadership on this issue,” said Brian Bomhoff, Executive Director of Pilot Mental Health Campaign. “The Mental Health in Aviation Act is a landmark achievement for pilots, air traffic controllers, and others within the aviation community. This bipartisan bill offers sensible and actionable solutions to a problem that has gone unaddressed for decades. The current archaic policies surrounding mental health in aviation create a culture of silence, this reinforces stigma and encourages pilots to avoid seeking treatment for their mental health, or to choose to self-medicate. This is not safety; American aviators and the flying public deserve better. By providing much needed resources while ensuring regulators are held accountable for implementing reforms, this piece of legislation will encourage pilots to get the care they deserve and make our skies safer for everyone.”
“Air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals are sometimes forced to choose between their careers and their mental health. This must change,” said NATCA President Rich Santa. “Rep. Casten and Rep. Chavez-DeRemer have recognized the problem and introduced the bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act to address this issue. NATCA commends them both for their leadership.”
In December 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration established the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee to identify and provide recommendations to overcome barriers to mental health care for aviators.
The Mental Health in Aviation Act will require the FAA to implement the recommendations of the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee within two years. These recommendations include lowering barriers to mental health care for pilots and air traffic controllers. The committee also recommends creating a pathway for aviators and air traffic controllers to disclose previously unreported mental health diagnoses and treatment.
The legislation requires the FAA to annually review and update mental health-related processes and authorizes $13.74 million per year for three years to destigmatize mental health care.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources to help you. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained professional and receive support 24/7.
The Mental Health in Aviation Act has been endorsed by the Pilot Mental Health Campaign, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the Allied Pilots Association, and the National Business Aviation Association.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
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