Q: Is Implicit Bias training mandatory for Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) in Michigan?

A: Yes.

• State: Michigan
• Profession: Osteopathic Physicians (DOs)
• Required Hours:
  • New license applicants: 2 hours within the five years preceding licensure
  • License renewals: 1 hour per year of the license/registration cycle (cumulative per LARA guidance since June 1, 2021)
• Governing Rule/Citation: Michigan LARA Rule R338.7004

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Required Implicit Bias Training for Michigan DOs: Ensure Compliance and Earn CE Credits

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) mandates implicit bias training for osteopathic physicians (DOs) as part of their license renewal requirements. Rule R338.7004, updated in 2023, allows these training hours to count toward continuing education (CE) credits, offering a convenient way to stay compliant while gaining valuable insights for patient care.

Michigan osteopathic physicians must meet renewal requirements to maintain licensure and ensure equitable, patient-centered care.

Complete Your Implicit Bias Training Today

Our accredited, on-demand webinar courses are designed for flexibility, offering both 2-hour and 3-hour options that meet the implicit bias training requirements for Michigan osteopathic physicians. Upon completion, participants will earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Course Options:

• 3-Hour Course
  • Satisfies implicit bias training for Michigan physicians (both MD and osteopathic physicians) and PAs.
  • Earn 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
  • Cost: $95

• 2-Hour Course
  • Satisfies implicit bias training for Michigan physicians (both MD and osteopathic physicians) and PAs.
  • Earn 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
  • Cost: $55

How Many Hours of Implicit Bias Training Do Michigan Osteopathic Physicians Need?

The number of implicit bias training hours required depends on whether you are applying for a new license or renewing an existing one:

New Applicants

If you are applying for a new license, you must complete 2 hours of implicit bias training within the five years immediately preceding your license issuance.

Renewing Licensees

Renewing osteopathic physicians must complete 1 hour of implicit bias training per year of their license or registration cycle. For example:

• Renewals from June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023: 1 hour required.
• Renewals from June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024: 2 hours required.
• Renewals from June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025: 3 hours required.

It’s important to note that for renewals after June 1, 2021, you only need to meet the training requirements for each year since the rule was implemented. For instance, if your renewal period started in August 2022, you would only need 1 hour of training even if your license cycle was three years long.

Why Implicit Bias Training Matters

Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can influence decision-making and behavior, often without the individual being aware of their impact. In healthcare, implicit bias can affect diagnostic decisions, treatment plans, and patient outcomes. Structured implicit bias training helps Michigan osteopathic physicians address biases, improve patient care, and build trust in healthcare.

LARA’s requirements are part of a broader initiative to ensure healthcare providers are equipped to recognize and reduce implicit biases, contributing to a more equitable healthcare environment for all.

Reporting Implicit Bias Training

Osteopathic physicians are not required to submit their implicit bias training certificates directly to the state of Michigan. During license renewal, you will attest to completing a LARA-compliant training program. Be aware that LARA may audit a sample of licensees to confirm compliance, so it’s essential to keep your certificates on file.

Learn more about the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requirements for implicit bias training on their official website (link).

Take the first step toward meeting your compliance requirements today with Renew Now CE.

Q: Is Health Equity training mandatory for Physicians (MD/DO) in Washington State?

A: Yes.

• State: Washington
• Profession: Physicians (MD/DO)
• Required Hours: 2 hours of Health Equity continuing education every 4 years
• Governing Rule/Citation: ESSB 5229; Title 18 RCW

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Fulfill Washington State’s Health Equity CE Requirement: Training for Physicians (MD/DO)

As of January 1, 2024, healthcare professionals in Washington State, including physicians (MD/DO), are required to complete a two-hour health equity continuing education (CE) course every four years. To fulfill Washington State’s Health Equity CE Requirement, there are various training options available for physicians (MD/DO). This new requirement under ESSB 5229 and Title 18 RCW equips healthcare providers to address health disparities in care.

By completing this training, physicians can better understand how factors like implicit bias, systemic racism, and social determinants of health impact patient outcomes. This initiative is part of Washington’s effort to eliminate healthcare inequities and promote culturally competent care.

Course Overview: Washington Health Equity 2-Hour CE for Physicians (MD/DO)

At Renew Now CE, we offer a comprehensive Washington Health Equity 2-Hour CE Course specifically tailored to meet the needs of physicians (MD/DO) practicing in Washington State. Our course aligns with ESSB 5229 and is fully accredited by recognized national organizations, ensuring compliance with both state and professional licensing requirements.

Course Details:

• Course Title: Washington Health Equity Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals (2 Hours)
• Target Audience: Physicians (MD/DO), nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers
• Accreditations:
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) for 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • Recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), ADA CERP, and ACPE for other professionals
• Learning Objectives:
  1. Recognize how social determinants of health such as income, education, and housing affect patient outcomes.
  2. Identify and mitigate implicit biases that can impact clinical decision-making.
  3. Address cultural competence and effective communication strategies for treating diverse patient populations.
  4. Develop strategies to integrate health equity principles into everyday practice for more equitable patient care.

What is the Health Equity CE Requirement for Physicians in Washington State?

To enhance the quality of care for all patients, Washington State mandates that physicians (MD/DO) and other licensed healthcare professionals complete a minimum of 2 hours of health equity CE training every four years. The primary objective of this requirement is to help physicians understand the societal and structural factors that lead to unequal health outcomes and to provide actionable strategies for integrating equity into their practices.

Key Requirement Details:

• Who Needs to Complete It?
  Physicians (MD/DO), along with other healthcare providers credentialed under Title 18 RCW, including nurses, dentists, pharmacists, chiropractors, mental health professionals, and more, must fulfill this CE requirement every four years, starting with their license renewal in 2024.
• What Topics Must Be Covered?
  The training should focus on topics that directly impact health equity, including:
  • Implicit bias: Recognizing unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can affect clinical decisions.
  • Racism: Understanding how racism affects healthcare delivery and patient trust.
  • Social determinants of health: Addressing how factors like poverty, education, and environment contribute to health disparities.
  • Cultural competence: Developing skills to effectively communicate with and treat patients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Accreditation Information:

Physicians (MD/DO) who complete the Washington Health Equity CE Course through Renew Now CE can earn 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The course is accredited by AKH Inc., which is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). This ensures that the credits you earn will meet the Washington State Board of Health’s continuing education requirements and national standards.

Additional professions, including nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and dietitians, are also eligible for credits through their respective accrediting bodies (ANCC, ADA CERP, ACPE, etc.).

Why is Health Equity Important for Physicians?

In Washington State and across the U.S., health disparities continue to affect patient outcomes, particularly among marginalized populations. Patients from minority racial and ethnic groups, low-income families, and rural areas often face significant barriers to receiving equitable healthcare.

Health equity education is vital for physicians because it provides the knowledge needed to:

• Reduce patient care disparities by addressing factors like poverty, housing insecurity, access to healthcare, and more.
• Mitigate implicit biases that may unknowingly influence diagnoses, treatment plans, and patient communication.
• Foster trust and rapport with diverse patient populations, improving compliance with care plans and overall patient satisfaction.

For more detailed information on Washington State’s health equity requirements for healthcare professionals, you can refer to the official Washington State Department of Health website here.

Enroll Today to Fulfill Washington State’s Health Equity CE Requirement!

Don’t wait until your license renewal is approaching. Fulfill Washington State’s Health Equity CE Requirement: Training for Physicians (MD/DO) and enhance your practice by enrolling in our accredited course today. With Renew Now CE, you can ensure you’re meeting both state mandates and professional standards while making a meaningful difference in patient care.

Click below to get started and be confident that you’re on the path to fulfilling your Washington health equity CE requirement.