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Bill

HB 783

Health Occupations - Implicit Bias and Structural Racism Training

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 16 co-sponsors

Maryland law requires health professionals to complete implicit bias and structural racism training for licensure, targeting healthcare disparities affecting communities of color.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 478
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Bill Summary · HB 783

Legislative bill overview

HB 783 requires healthcare professionals in Maryland to complete training on implicit bias and structural racism as a condition for licensure, renewal, or continued practice. The bill mandates that the Maryland Board of Nursing and other health occupations boards establish specific training requirements and standards for this education.

Why is this important

Healthcare disparities linked to provider bias have measurable impacts on patient outcomes, particularly for communities of color. This legislation attempts to address systemic barriers in healthcare delivery by making bias training a formal requirement rather than optional professional development, potentially affecting thousands of healthcare workers across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Mandate feasibility and cost: Healthcare providers may face logistical challenges and expenses in completing training requirements, with unclear implementation timelines and who bears training costs
  • Training effectiveness debate: Research on implicit bias training effectiveness is mixed; critics argue mandatory programs don't guarantee behavior change and may create compliance-focused rather than substantive cultural shifts
  • Definition and scope concerns: The bill's reliance on boards to define "implicit bias and structural racism training" creates potential inconsistency in what constitutes acceptable coursework and how compliance is measured

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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