Illinois Pharmacist Implicit Bias CE Requirement: Complete 2026 Guide

Complete Your Required Implicit Bias Training Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.

What is required for Illinois Pharmacists?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires Illinois pharmacists to complete 1 hour of implicit bias CE. This applies to every renewal cycle beginning January 1, 2023.

This training must be completed during each two-year renewal cycle. The requirement became effective for licenses renewing on or after January 1, 2023. Pharmacists must ensure their implicit bias CE is completed through an approved provider before submitting their license renewal application to avoid delays or complications.

Illinois law allows licensees to fulfill this requirement through courses approved by any relevant licensing board within the state. This flexible approach means pharmacists can choose from multiple accredited providers, including ANCC-approved courses that meet the state’s rigorous standards for quality educational content and professional development.

Complete Your Required Implicit Bias Training Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.

What does the Implicit Bias training cover?

The implicit bias continuing education course for Illinois pharmacists addresses essential topics that help pharmacy professionals recognize and mitigate unconscious biases in patient care and medication counseling. The curriculum is designed to improve health outcomes and promote equity across diverse patient populations in community, hospital, and clinical pharmacy settings.

• Understanding implicit bias and how unconscious attitudes influence medication counseling, patient interactions, and clinical decision-making in pharmacy practice
• Recognizing stereotypes and biases related to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions
• Examining the impact of implicit bias on medication adherence, health disparities, and patient outcomes in various pharmacy settings
• Learning evidence-based strategies to identify personal biases and minimize their influence on professional pharmacy practice and patient care
• Implementing practical techniques for providing culturally competent, equitable pharmaceutical care to all patients regardless of background
• Applying bias reduction methods in patient counseling, medication therapy management, drug utilization review, and collaborative practice

Complete Your Required Implicit Bias Training Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.

How Illinois Pharmacists Can Complete the Implicit Bias CE Requirement

Follow these steps to meet the Illinois implicit bias mandate:

1. Select an IDFPR-approved implicit bias CE course, such as an ANCC-accredited program.
2. Complete the 1-hour training module, reviewing all educational content and examples.
3. Pass required knowledge checks or assessments included in the course.
4. Download and save your certificate immediately for your renewal records.
5. Report your CE completion during the IDFPR license renewal process and retain documentation for audits.

Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Pharmacist Implicit Bias CE

Can pharmacists complete the implicit bias CE online?
Yes. IDFPR accepts online implicit bias courses from approved CE providers.

Is implicit bias CE required for every renewal cycle?
Yes. Pharmacists must complete 1 hour for each two-year cycle. Hours do not carry over.

What if I do not complete the requirement on time?
Missing the CE requirement may result in renewal delays or license expiration. Pharmacists should complete the training well before the renewal deadline.

Related Illinois CE Resources

Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Pharmacists