Understanding Michigan's Implicit Bias Training Requirement

Michigan's implicit bias training requirement was established to address healthcare disparities and ensure all patients receive equitable care regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics. The mandate applies to all health professionals licensed under the Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978), Article 15.

What Michigan Administrative Rule R 338.7004 Requires

Effective June 1, 2022, Michigan Administrative Rule R 338.7004 establishes specific requirements for implicit bias training:

What Is Implicit Bias in Healthcare?

Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes, stereotypes, or assumptions that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions without our conscious awareness. Unlike explicit bias (which is deliberate), implicit bias operates automatically and can influence clinical decision-making even among well-intentioned healthcare providers.

Research has documented that implicit bias can affect:

• Pain assessment and management — Studies show disparities in pain medication prescribing based on patient race
• Diagnostic accuracy — Unconscious assumptions can lead to delayed or missed diagnoses
• Treatment recommendations — Patients may receive different care recommendations based on demographic characteristics
• Patient-provider communication — Implicit bias can affect rapport, trust, and treatment adherence
• Referral patterns — Disparities in specialist referrals have been linked to implicit bias

Key Concepts Covered in This Course

This LARA-compliant training addresses all required content areas under R 338.7004(3):

• Definition and origins of implicit bias — Understanding how unconscious associations form
• Implicit Association Test (IAT) research — Evidence base for implicit bias in healthcare
• Impact on clinical decision-making — How bias affects diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) frameworks — Organizational approaches to reducing disparities
• Bias interruption strategies — Practical techniques to recognize and mitigate bias in real-time
• Implicit bias in artificial intelligence — NEW 2024 content on algorithmic bias in healthcare AI tools

Need Joint Accreditation? For specific joint accreditation (ACCME, ACPE, etc.): We offer a 3-hour Jointly Accredited Activity or a 2-hour Jointly Accredited Activity with ACCME, ADA CERP, ACPE, COPE, and more.

• ✓ Define implicit bias and distinguish it from explicit bias
• ✓ Recognize how implicit bias impacts perception, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes
• ✓ Demonstrate working knowledge of current research on implicit bias in healthcare
• ✓ Apply strategies to interrupt bias and promote equity in healthcare service delivery

Join over 18,000 healthcare professionals in Michigan who have successfully completed this training. Updated in 2026, this course now includes new content on implicit bias in artificial intelligence and healthcare algorithms.

• Trusted: 4.7/5 star rating from verified completions
• Current: Updated January 2026 with latest research and AI bias content
• Complete: Satisfies both initial and renewal requirements
• Convenient: 100% online, mobile-friendly, save progress anytime

Returning learner? If you previously completed this course, the 2024 update includes substantially new content—you can confidently re-enroll to meet current requirements.

Legal Authority: Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978, Article 15, as implemented through Michigan Administrative Rule R 338.7004 (effective June 1, 2022; standards updated March 23, 2023).

Accreditation: Renew Now CE is nationally accredited by the ANCC (Provider P0557) and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and Michigan Board of Pharmacy (ID 50-18921).

Format Compliance: Per R 338.7004, training may be completed through asynchronous webinars. This course is delivered in an on-demand asynchronous webinar format with required pre-test and post-test assessments.

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Legal References: Michigan implicit bias training requirement established by Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978, Article 15 and implemented through Michigan Administrative Rule R 338.7004.