Section 123 COVID-19 Trauma Study

The department of public health shall conduct a study and report on the effects of the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on frontline healthcare workers, including, but not limited to, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse aids, physicians and other healthcare providers in the commonwealth and their families. The study shall inform current and future practices for the wellbeing and maintenance of frontline healthcare workers. The department shall examine mental health effects including, but not limited to: (i) trauma; (ii) stress related disorders; (iii) depression; (iv) anxiety; (v) substance use disorders; and (vi) suicide. The study and report shall include data on the role of the frontline healthcare worker and various demographic factors including, but not limited to: gender, race, ethnicity, geographic location and age. The study and report shall include data on frontline healthcare workers in various locations throughout the commonwealth and shall identify any trends. The department shall submit a written report with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on public health not later than September 1, 2022.