What Happened
Legislation Aims to Reduce Stigma and Improve Access to Care
The US Senate has unanimously passed two bipartisan bills aimed at improving access to mental health care for pilots and air traffic controllers. The John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act and the Aviation Medication Transparency Act seek to address the lengthy medical reviews and stigma that can discourage pilots from disclosing mental health conditions and seeking care. The legislation requires the FAA to update medical certification regulations and guidance, and to provide public education to reduce stigma and improve awareness of support services. The bills, which still require House action, were welcomed by the Air Line Pilots Association, which noted that pilots can wait over a year for initial FAA authorization to begin antidepressant treatment. The legislation was first reported by AeroTime.