Medical student knowledge and concern regarding mental health disclosure requirements in medical licensing

Two-thirds of United States medical boards require disclosure of mental health treatment or diagnosis during licensure, with negative influence on physician well-being but unknown impact on medical students. This study sought to understand whether medical students perceive mental health treatment to be a threat to their future medical license. Students at an American medical school in a state without disclosure questions completed an anonymous fourteen question survey. Analysis with univariate and multivariate statistics explored knowledge, opinion, and impact of disclosure questions. Data was obtained from 327 medical students, a 53% response rate. The majority—91% (299)—were unsure or incorrect as to whether their state licensing board requires mental health disclosure. 33% (86) reported disclosure questions substantially discourage them from seeking mental health treatment. Of the 32% (105) who accessed mental health treatment during medical school, half—52% (74)—would not disclose during licensing. Those who believe that disclosure could impact their license were more likely to be discouraged from seeking care (OR, 5.23 [95% CI, 1.97–15.99]; P = 0.002). Most students—75% (245)—opposed mandatory disclosure. Concern about mandatory mental health disclosure discourages medical students from seeking care, despite uncertainty about disclosure questions. •Medical students unsure if mental health disclosure is required during licensing.•Mental health disclosure questions discourage care-seeking by students.•Majority with mental health history will not disclose if asked during licensing.•Mental health disclosure questions opposed by most medical students.