Is Michigan's Implicit Bias CE Training CEU required every renewal in Michigan?
- Shan Ru Lin, ATR-BC, LCPC, ATCS
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
Michigan Implicit Bias CE Requirement
1. What is “implicit bias” according to Michigan state rule?
Answer: Under Michigan rule R 338.7001, implicit bias is defined as an attitude or internalized stereotype that affects perception, action, or decision-making in an unconscious manner and often contributes to unequal treatment based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, and other traits.
2. Who must complete implicit bias training in Michigan?
Answer: All individuals applying for initial licensure or registration and all renewing licensees under Article 15 of the Michigan Public Health Code must complete implicit bias training, (except those licensed under Part 188 Veterinary medicine) including physicians, physician assistants, anesthesiologist assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, athletic trainers, respiratory therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, dietitians, optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, genetic counselors, and other health professionals regulated under Article 15.
CE courses that meet Michigan's implicit bias requirements include:
This 2-hour course:
and this 1-hour course:
and this 3-hour bundle https://edu.springadv.com/bundles/3-ce-healthcare-implicit-bias-training-bundle
3. How many hours of training are required for initial licensure or registration?
Answer: Individuals seeking initial licensure or registration must have completed a minimum of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration.
4. Is Michigan's Implicit Bias CE Training CEU required every renewal in Michigan? How many hours are required for license renewal?
Answer: For license renewal, reenrollment, or relicensure, individuals must complete a minimum of 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license or registration cycle (e.g., a 2-year cycle requires 2 hours).
5. Can training hours be carried over from one renewal cycle to the next?
Answer: No. Rule R 338.7004 explicitly states that implicit bias training hours completed in one renewal cycle cannot be carried forward to the next.
6. What topics must the implicit bias training include?
Answer: Training content must include one or more of the following:
• Information on implicit bias, equitable access to healthcare, serving diverse populations, cultural sensitivity, and diversity/inclusion.
• Strategies to recognize and address implicit bias and its negative effects.
• Historical basis and current consequences of implicit bias.
• Discussion of current research on implicit bias in healthcare access and delivery.
7. Must the training include strategies to reduce disparities?
Answer: Yes. In addition to core content, the training must include strategies to reduce disparities in healthcare access and delivery and administer pre- and post-training assessments.
8. What types of organizations or sponsors are acceptable for providing this training?
Answer: Acceptable sponsors include nationally or state-recognized health-related organizations, state or federal agencies, approved educational programs, accredited colleges or universities, and organizations specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
9. What training formats are accepted under the rule?
Answer: The rule allows implicit bias training in several formats including:
• Live teleconference/webinar with participant interaction
• In-person live presentations
• Asynchronous webinars or teleconferences (online, on-demand)
10. Do I need to keep documentation of my training?
Answer: Yes. Licensees or registrants must retain documentation (e.g., completion certificates) for at least 6 years after applying for licensure, registration, or renewal because Michigan LARA may audit proof of compliance.
Is implicit bias required every renewal in Michigan?
Answer: Yes — implicit bias training is required at every license renewal. Michigan rule R 338.7004 specifies that individuals must complete 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of their license or registration cycle as a condition of renewal, and this requirement is ongoing and repeats with each renewal cycle (it’s not a one-time training)
Michigan Implicit Bias Training requirements
The following licenses accept both APA and NBCC approvals, asynchronous/video/home study courses.
Michigan Licensed Psychologist (rule)
Michigan Licensed Limited Psychologist
Michigan Licensed Professional Counselor (Also accepts ASWB-ACE and AAMFT)
Michigan Licensed Limited Counselor (Also accepts ASWB-ACE and AAMFT)
Michigan Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Also accepts ASWB-ACE and AAMFT)
Michigan Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Also accepts ASWB-ACE and AAMFT)
Michigan
Is Michigan's Implicit Bias CE Training CEU required every renewal in Michigan?
In Michigan, an Implicit Bias course is a required for the following licenses:
Licensed Psychologist: Implicit bias: 2 hours (rules)
Licensed Limited Psychologist: Implicit bias: 2 hours
QUALIFIED 2-HOUR IMPLICIT BIAS CE COURSE INCLUDES THIS ONE: https://edu.springadv.com/courses/Exploring-Diagnostic-Overshadowing-and-the-Need-to-Disrupt-Implicit-Bias
Licensed Professional Counselor: Implicit bias: 3 hours (rules)
Licensed Limited Counselor: Implicit bias: 1 hour
QUALIFIED 1- HOUR IMPLICIT BIAS CE COURSE INCLUDES THIS ONE: https://edu.springadv.com/courses/illinois-required-training-implicit-bias-awareness-and-strategies-towards-culturally-responsive-care-2025-1-ce-credit-hour
Licensed Master's Social Worker: Implicit bias: 3 hours (rules)
Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker: Implicit bias: 3 hours
Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Implicit bias: 3 hours
Michigan Implicit Bias Training requirements: https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20338.7001%20to%20R%20338.7005.pdf&ReturnHTML=True
Michigan Administrative Code R 338.7004 requires all licensed mental health professionals to complete implicit bias training for initial licensure and renewal, effective June 1, 2022. Requirements include 2 hours of training for initial licensure (within 5 years prior) and 1 hour annually for renewal, covering topics like self-awareness, equity, and reducing disparities.
State of Michigan
Key Details of Michigan R 338.7004:
Requirement: Mandatory training for all health professionals licensed under the Public Health Code.
Initial Licensure: Minimum of 2 hours of training within the 5 years immediately preceding the issuance of the license.
License Renewal: Minimum of 1 hour of training per year. A 2-hour course can satisfy this for two renewal cycles. 3-hour for 3-year licenses.
Content Covered: Implicit bias, diversity, equity, inclusion, and strategies to reduce disparities in healthcare access.
Approved Formats: Live webinars, asynchronous teleconference or webinar.
This training is not a one-time requirement; it must be completed with every license renewal cycle.
