Studies have shown that unconscious attitudes or stereotypes held by health care providers can have a negative impact on a community’s health outcomes. Subjective ways of thinking originating from an individual’s own perceptions and/or points of view, as well as the different types of bias experienced by the provider him- or herself, can influence and affect the way we think, behave, perceive others, and ultimately make decisions regarding patient care. Because those who hold these unconscious biases are not aware they exist, changing them to provide the best possible care to every patient who comes into the clinic can be a distinct challenge.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, created by Governor Whitmer in response to the disproportionate impact the pandemic had on communities of color, recommended “implicit bias” training for Michigan health care providers as a condition for initial licensure and license renewal. While this requirement was borne from the State’s efforts to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on communities of color, it is not just about race. Implicit biases in such areas as gender, age, disability, socioeconomic status, body type, and other characteristics can impact clinical decision-making, leading to potential substandard care.
In this one-hour presentation, the MAC’s Carl Alden will discuss implicit bias and impart strategies to remedy its negative effects by recognizing and understanding how it impacts patient care.
Implicit Bias Requirement – Please Note:
- If your license expires in 2022, you are required to obtain one hour in implicit bias training prior to the renewal of your license to practice chiropractic, or November 30, 2022, whichever comes first. This is in addition to the 30 hours (and all State of Michigan requirements) needed for renewal. In subsequent renewals, you will be required to obtain two hours per licensure period.
- If your license expires in 2023 or 2024, you are required to obtain two hours in implicit bias training prior to the renewal of your license to practice chiropractic. This is in addition to the 30 hours (and all State of Michigan requirements) needed for renewal. In subsequent renewals, you will be also required to obtain two hours per licensure period.
Carl Alden is the Michigan Association of Chiropractors’ resident specialist on insurance. Most of his days are spent on the phone assisting MAC members with a variety of insurance issues. Along with these duties, Carl is also the MAC Governmental Relations Director. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.
