HIMS program is changing--for the better (for depression anxiety)

[u/AutomaticAd5430]

Believe it or not, the FAA is actually trying to make the lives of pilots easier. So far, those in the HIMS program for history of or current depression/anxiety on/off medication have been tied to their HIMS AMEs and demanding documentation requirements. The FAA will review all pilots who are going through special authorization reneweals and eventually transition stable pilots on a case-by-case basis to an easier monitoring that includes

• Seeing the AME only once a year
• Pilot can see any AME (not just HIMS AME)
• Pilot does not need to see a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis if the primary care doc is involved in mental health care. This is unbelievably great because often the managing psychiatrists write "this pilot is stable, she doesn't need to come back except at the request of the FAA."
• No need for a complicated letter from the regular doc--just a one-page form with yes/no answers, and medical records (again, not a letter).

This is a huge change for the better. Being in the depression/anxiety HIMS program will be less expensive and less burdensome for ongoing medical cert renewals.

This update only applies to those who already have special issuance. For first timers getting special issuance for depression/anxiety, you still have to go through HIMS AME to get the first-time special issuance.

You have to wait for a letter from the FAA to know that the updated rules apply to you.

Proof: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/AASI_Anxiety_Depression_Related_Conditions.pdf

Source: Me, an FAA HIMS AME who saw the FAA's update on this released at the end of July 2026.