Greetings social workers,

Happy spring! We are writing to you regarding the changes to the Michigan Public Health Code – General Rules which now requires implicit bias training for health professionals beginning June 1, 2022. We would like to provide you some social worker-specific details related to these changes as well as invite you to participate in an upcoming NASW-Michigan training that will satisfy this new requirement.

This training, Many Voices, One Mission: Addressing Implicit Bias and Racism in Social Work, will take place on June 17, 2022.This conference will explore critical racial and social justice conversations in the field and provide direct ways for social workers to take action in their practices and communities. Additionally, at the conclusion of the event, there will be a virtual Advocacy and Resource Fair where we invite you to connect to social justice organizations and learn of open career opportunities. Learn more or register here.

We hope this article answers your questions and clears up any confusion you may be experiencing. Please feel free to contact us should you have any remaining questions.

You should have received the following information from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) via email on 5/9/22.

Additional information provided by NASW is italicized in teal font.

Dear Licensee –

The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) would like to remind  you that the Michigan Public Health Code – General Rules were revised last year and now require implicit bias training for your profession. The requirements apply to both new applicants as well as those renewing their existing licenses or registrations starting on June 1, 2022.

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the new training requirements:

What is Implicit Bias Training?

A: A new rule was added to the Public Health Code – General Rules earlier this year. The rule defines implicit bias as “an attitude or internalized stereotype that affects an individual’s perception, action, or decision making in an unconscious manner and often contributes to unequal treatment of people based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, age, disability, or other characteristic." Rule 338.7001(c).

Training on Implicit Bias is required as a condition for initial licensure or registration as well as license or registration renewal. This training is in addition to any continuing education training required for your profession. Unlike the human trafficking training requirement, this is not a “one time” training. Implicit Bias training is required every time you renew your license.

What professions need to comply with this new rule regarding Implicit Bias Training?

A: All professions licensed or registered under the Michigan Public Health Code, except for Veterinary Medicine, are required to take Implicit Bias Training.

This includes the following: Acupuncture, Athletic Trainers, Audiologists, Behavior Analysts, Chiropractors, Counselors, Dentistry, Genetic Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Massage Therapy, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Nursing Home Administrators, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery, Pharmacy (Pharmacists, Pharmacy, Technicians, etc.), Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistants, Podiatric Medicine & Surgery, Psychology, Respiratory Therapy, Sanitarian, Social Worker, and Speech-Language Pathology.

When does this requirement begin?

A: The new requirement takes effect on June 1, 2022, which is one year after the promulgation of the rule. If the 90-day renewal window for your license or registration spans across June 1, 2022 the training is not required if you renew prior to June 1, 2022. However, if you choose to renew on or after June 1, 2022, the training is required.

Also, the training will be required for all new applications for licensure or registration received on or after June 1, 2022.

For social workers, this rule does NOT fully take effect until your first renewal AFTER June 1, 2022. 

How many hours of training do I need?

A: New Applicants for licensure or registration are required to have completed 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration.

Renewing licensees and registrants are required to complete 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of their license or registration cycle. However, for initial renewal after June 1, 2021, licensees will only need to have 1 hour for each year since the rule’s promulgation date of June 1, 2021.

For example, if you are scheduled to renew your license in August of 2022, you would only be required to have 1 hour of training, even if the length of your license was 3 years. Remember: The rule also specifically states that this training is in addition to any continuing education requirements required for renewal.

Subsequent renewals will require 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license or registration cycle.

While the implicit bias training requirement does NOT have to be satisfied through continuing education specifically, licensees may satisfy implicit bias requirements through an approved continuing education program if they choose to.

All fully licensed social workers will be required to earn 3 hours of implicit bias training each renewal cycle.

Who can provide training?

A: The new rule provides a detailed description of what the training should cover and who is an acceptable sponsor of the training. Any training that meets the requirements of the rule is acceptable. Please note the Department does not pre-approve these training programs. We recommend that applicants refer to the standards that have been established in rule for guidance on what is acceptable.  

The new rule also requires licensees to retain documentation of meeting the requirements of this rule for a period of 6 years from the date of applying for licensure, registration, or renewal.

Acceptable sponsors of this training include any of the following:

Acceptable modalities of training include any of the following:

If I took training that qualifies before June 1, 2021, can I count this training at my next renewal?

A: Training that was taken prior the promulgation of the rule (June 1, 2021) and within the license cycle that is up for renewal, qualifies toward the requirement for renewals. However, the rule allows new applicants for licensure or registration to complete the training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration.

If I am required to have 3 hours of training to renew my 3-year license, can I take one three-hour class or do have to take 1 hour of training each year?

A: In this example you could take a single three-hour class to meet the training requirement. The rule does not require one hour IN each year of the license cycle only one hour FOR each year of the license or registration cycle.

Does watching a video meet the requirements of the training?

A: Training should provide opportunities for interaction among participants and with the instructor. In this manner the educational experience will accommodate various learning styles and provide meaningful engagement. If the training incorporates interaction among the participants (with each other and the instructor), the rule requirement will be satisfied.

Any live, synchronous training would qualify (whether in person or virtual).

How will this new rule be enforced?

A: At time of application and renewal an applicant, licensee or registrant will attest to compliance with the new rule. Rule 338.704(4) provides the following:

The department may select and audit a sample of a licensees or registrants and request documentation of proof of compliance with this rule. If audited by the department, a licensee or registrant shall provide the proof of completion of training, including either of the following:
(a) A completion certificate issued by the training program that includes the date of the training, the program sponsor’s name, the title of the program, and licensee’s or registrant’s name.
(b) A self-attestation by the licensee or registrant that includes the date of the training, the program sponsor’s name, the title of the program, and licensee’s or registrant’s name.

LARA Contact Information:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

517-241-0199

Fax: 517-241-9416

BPLHelp@Michigan.gov

For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara