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HB 1042

Health Occupations - Structural Racism Training - Funding Sources

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Teresa Woorman

Maryland bill mandates health occupations boards develop structural racism training programs for licensed professionals to address healthcare disparities and improve equitable care delivery.

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
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Bill Summary · HB 1042

Legislative bill overview

HB 1042 requires health occupations licensing boards in Maryland to develop and implement structural racism training programs for licensed professionals. The bill establishes funding mechanisms to support these educational initiatives across various health occupations and creates standards for curriculum development and implementation.

Why is this important

Health disparities correlated with racial and ethnic differences have documented impacts on patient outcomes and care quality. Training programs addressing systemic biases aim to improve cultural competency and equitable care delivery across Maryland's healthcare system. The bill's passage through committee suggests legislative support for addressing structural inequities in healthcare professions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding burden: Determining which entities (state, boards, professionals, institutions) bear financial responsibility for developing and delivering training programs
  • Curriculum standardization: Disagreement over what constitutes appropriate "structural racism" training content, pedagogical approaches, and measurable competency standards
  • Mandatory participation scope: Questions about whether training should be required for license renewal, initial licensure only, or voluntary continuing education, and potential impacts on workforce participation

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

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