Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Directive to develop rules to require implicit bias training for health professionals to address racial disparities. Executive Directive 2020-7 directs the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to begin developing rules that will require implicit bias training as part of the knowledge and skills necessary for licensure, registration and renewal of licenses and registrations of health professionals in Michigan. Implicit bias training was one of the recommendations made by the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. The evidence shows that training in implicit bias can make a positive difference, so today we are taking action to help improve racial equity across Michigans health care system. Governor Gilchrist II, chair of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities.

Gretchen Whitmer said she believes those numbers are because of uneven health care delivery and signed an Executive Directive to develop rules to require implicit bias training for health professionals to address racial disparities. Michigan COVID-19 cases by race as of July 5, 2020. (WDIV)The governors task force said people of color suffer in medical settings from the unconscious bias by medical professionals. She turned to Dr. Randolph Rasch, Dean and Professor of the Michigan State University College of Nursing, who spoke extensively about what implicit bias is. The practical impact of Executive Directive 2020-7 means those looking to get a new license or wants to renew their medical license will have to undergo bias training.