Regulations and Government
Senate Committee Advances Aviation Mental Health Bill
Measure would reform FAA special issuance medical process, expand approved medications
U.S. Capitol building exterior
The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed legislation requiring the FAA to revise mental health regulations and expand treatment options for pilots.

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously approved legislation last week that would require the FAA to revise mental health regulations for pilots and air traffic controllers.

Introduced by Sens. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), the Mental Health in Aviation Act would require the FAA to update regulations encouraging voluntary disclosure of mental health conditions and treatment. Additionally, the bill directs the agency to review the special issuance medical certificate process annually and expand the list of approved medications for treating mental health conditions.