Update from the LARA Implicit Bias Advisory Workgroup

Friday, February 12, 2021

Dear Stakeholders,

I want to again thank you for your participation in our Implicit Bias Training Rules Advisory Workgroup last Fall and provide an update on our progress.  Thanks to your invaluable contributions, LARA has developed draft rules – as well as a regulatory impact statement – which are both available for public review.  We are now at the point in the rulemaking process where the department will hold a public hearing and provide an opportunity for public comments.

LARA has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 1:00PM (a virtual meeting link is included below) and written public comments will be received from February 15 through March 9 .  For your reference, the rule set is 2020-109 LR (Public Health Code - General Rules) and the draft rules and supporting documents are available on the administrative rulemaking system at the following URL: https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/Transaction/RFRTransaction?TransactionID=1235

The proposed training requirements are based on several recommendations that came out of our workgroup discussions.  Here are some of the highlights:

• New applicants for health care licensure or registration will need to complete a minimum of 2 hours of implicit bias training.  Applicants for license or registration renewal will need to complete a minimum of 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of their license or registration cycle.

• The curriculum of the training must be directly related to reducing barriers and disparities in access to and delivery of health care services.  The curriculum must also incorporate strategies to reduce disparities as well as the administration of implicit bias assessments.

• Implicit bias training may be provided by a nationally or state recognized health-related organization, an accredited college or university, a state or federal agency, or a continuing education program approved by a state licensing board.

• Modalities of training must include either a live presentation, interactive online instruction, or a method of virtual learning that permits live synchronous interaction.

• Licensees or registrants must retain documentation as proof of compliance in meeting the training requirements.

It is important for stakeholders to participate in the public comment/public hearing process.  I invite you to submit any written comments or suggestions to BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov.  You may also participate in the virtual public hearing and provide oral comments directly to LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing.  The public hearing will be held via Zoom and can be accessed at the following URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81431417388?pwd=SEVJelBOYkx5MkZzZ2w5NGwvNXZtUT09

Again, thank you for your interest and partnership in this important work. 

Warmest regards,

Orlene Hawks