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Implicit Bias Training Requirement to Improve Equity Across Michigan’s Health Care System
Implicit Bias is unintended, subtle and subconscious thoughts that happen to all of us, all of the time.
Bias is something we all have and the most important steps are identifying and managing your bias. Education around bias is becoming more and more common and that also includes a recent change to health care licensing requirements. Last year, upon recommendation by the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Directive 2020-07 which directed LARA to begin promulgating rules that incorporated an implicit bias training requirement as part of the knowledge and skills necessary for the licensure or registration of health care professionals in Michigan.
"Implicit, unconscious bias exists within each of us, and as public servants we have a duty to understand and address how our biases can impact the lives of others," said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist. "The health disparities highlighted during the pandemic made it clear that there is more work to do to ensure that bias does not prevent people of color from experiencing the same access to quality, equitable health care as everyone else. Today's new rules, which were a key recommendation of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, are additional building blocks that will help us create a culture of responsive inclusion that will make state government and the practice of medical professions in Michigan a national model for equality, understanding, and fairness. I sincerely thank the task force members, partners, and supporters for their work on this important effort."
New applicants for licensure or registration will need to complete a minimum of 2 hours of training, and applicants for renewal will need to complete a minimum of 1 hour of training each year. The annual training curriculum can cover a variety of topics related to implicit bias but must incorporate strategies to reduce disparities including the administration of self-assessments.
The new requirement will be effective June 1, 2022. Implicit bias training may be sponsored by a nationally or state recognized health-related organization, an accredited college or university, a state or federal agency, a continuing education program approved by a state licensing board, or an organization specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.
The new requirements are included in sections R 338.7001 - 338.7005 of the Public Health Code - General Rules.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the requirement can be found here.
Kent County offers three hour Managing Bias Workshops to county employees. These workshops are facilitated by a cohort of Kent County facilitators that were trained by the Cultural Intelligence Center. Kent County will share other training options as they become finalized.
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