Michigan Requires Implicit Bias Training for Healthcare Professionals

On June 1, 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) announced new implicit bias training requirements for healthcare professionals (available here).  The requirements will become effective on June 1, 2022. 

The LARA rules require that all new applicants for licensure or registration in the healthcare profession, except those in veterinary medicine, must complete a minimum of two hours of implicit bias training.  Applicants for renewal will need to complete at least one hour of training each year.  The training must include strategies to reduce disparities in healthcare services and the administration of self-assessments, and it must cover one or more of the following topics:

• Information on implicit bias, equitable access to health care, serving a diverse population, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and cultural sensitivity;
• Strategies to remedy the impact of implicit bias;
• The historical and present consequences of implicit biases; and
• Discussion of current research on implicit bias in healthcare services.

The training can be offered by a nationally or state recognized health-related organization, a state or federal agency, educational program approved by a state licensing board, an accredited college or university, or an organization specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion issues.  Healthcare professionals must maintain documentation that they underwent the implicit bias training for six years from the date of application or renewal.

If you have questions regarding this or any other workforce issue, please contact your relationship attorney or one of Honigman’s Labor and Employment attorneys.