Michigan will require bias training for all medical professionals

Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced an executive directive to require all medical professionals in the state to complete a training on implicit bias.

The rule is meant to address the disparities in how minority communities are treated by medical professionals, especially when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. Black people make up about 40% of COVID-19 deaths in the state while comprising just 14% of the population.

Implicit bias training will be mandatory for all medical professionals seeking to be licensed by the state. The rule is based on recommendations from the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, which is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown that this inequity is particularly and dangerously true,” said Gilchrist

The rule-making process typically takes six-months to a year to complete and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is required to consult with people who would be affected by the rule.

You can read more at MLive.