On July 9, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued a new Executive Order that requires licensed health professionals, except for those who practice veterinary medicine, to undergo implicit bias training.

The purpose is to reduce race based disparities in health care. Cited, among other authorities, is the National Healthcare Disparity Report which concludes that white patients received higher quality of care than did Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and Asian Americans.

Implicit biases are thoughts and feelings that often exist outside of conscious awareness. They can shape behavior and the Executive Order states one way to reduce disparities in health outcomes is to seek to eliminate the unconscious biases, misconceptions and stereotypes that can lead to disparities in how health care is provided.

The Governor has ordered that the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is to establish new rules requiring all healthcare providers to receive training on implicit bias and the way it affects the delivery of health care services. Not later than November 1, 2020 LARA must consult relevant stakeholders to receive input regarding proposed training materials.

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Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Directive Requiring Implicit Bias Training For Healthcare Workers

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