Bill > HB783

This bill requires health care professionals renewing their licenses or certificates to complete an expanded training program that now includes both implicit bias and structural racism education. The bill defines key terms like "implicit bias" (unconscious prejudices or stereotypes that operate below conscious awareness) and introduces a new definition for "structural racism" as the interconnected systems that foster racial discrimination across various societal domains like housing, education, employment, and healthcare. Specifically, the legislation mandates that license renewal applicants attest to completing a training program approved by the Cultural and Linguistic Health Care Professional Competency Program, which will identify and approve appropriate training programs. The requirement will apply to an applicant's first license renewal after April 1, 2026, and health occupation boards are authorized to offer continuing education credits for completing these training programs. The bill's intent includes using grant funding from the American Nurses Association to develop and offer the structural racism training, with the ultimate goal of improving cultural competency, reducing unconscious bias, and addressing systemic inequities in healthcare delivery.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0783?ys=2025RS