Implicit Bias in Healthcare: New Michigan Licensure Rules Summary

Please click here for answers to frequently asked questions regarding implicit bias training in Michigan. For more information on implicit bias training requirements, please email BPLHelp@michigan.gov or please visit www.michigan.gov/lara.

The guidelines from the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) board state that:

Training content must include, but is not limited to, 1 or more of the following topics:

(i) Information on implicit bias, equitable access to health care, serving a diverse population, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and cultural sensitivity.
(ii) Strategies to remedy the negative impact of implicit bias by recognizing and understanding how it impacts perception, judgment, and actions that may result in inequitable decision making, failure to effectively communicate, and result in barriers and disparities in the access to and delivery of health care services.
(iii) The historical basis and present consequences of implicit biases based on an individual’s characteristics.
(iv) Discussion of current research on implicit bias in the access to and delivery of health care services.

Training must include strategies to reduce disparities in access to and delivery of health care services and the administration of pre- and post-test implicit bias assessments.

Acceptable modalities of training include any of the following:

(i) A teleconference or webinar that permits live synchronous interaction.
(ii) A live presentation.
(iii) An asynchronous teleconference or webinar.

Reference: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs [LARA]. (2023). Public Health Code – General Rules: R 338.7004.