Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal Helped Push Pilot Mental Health Bills Through Senate
The bipartisan measures aim to reduce barriers that can discourage pilots and other aviation workers from seeking mental health care. Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal Helped Push Pilot Mental Health Bills Through Senate Alex Krinsky
Nathan Fielder's HBO series, The Rehearsal, has been credited with helping push through Senate legislation aimed at improving mental health care for aviation workers. The two bipartisan bills passed unanimously by the Senate on Thursday seek to modernize the FAA's mental health certification process and provide clearer guidance on medications that can affect medical certification.
Fielder, known for his elaborate stunts turned television, spent Season 2 of The Rehearsal investigating the aviation industry's mental health challenges. He claims former National Transportation Safety Board member John Goglia told him young congressional staffers watched the show and were inspired to take action. However, Fielder is hesitant to take full credit, stating only that it was "nice to hear."
The bills, though predating the series, were championed by Senators John Hoeven and Tammy Duckworth. Duckworth emphasized the bills' intention to make it easier for workers to seek care without fearing job security. Fielder has other projects in the works, including co-directing the documentary about convicted Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, which releases October 16th. HBO has also confirmed Fielder has plans for a potential third season of The Rehearsal.
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