Maryland has passed a new law, Health Occupations – Implicit Bias and Structural Racism Training, requiring all licensed healthcare professionals, including acupuncturists and TCM practitioners, to complete continuing education specifically on implicit bias and structural racism.
This is not a general cultural competency requirement. The law mandates a course that directly addresses how unconscious bias and systemic racism impact patient care, access, and outcomes. Acupuncturists must now complete a course that:
- Focuses explicitly on implicit bias and structural racism, not just cultural awareness
- Includes current, research-supported citations
- Lists clear learning objectives and outcomes
- Offers practical tools relevant to TCM clinical practice
For example, a qualifying course might explore how assumptions about patient adherence, insurance status, or cultural health beliefs can affect diagnostic reasoning or treatment planning in acupuncture. It might also help practitioners recognize how structural barriers, like language access or community trust, impact care delivery in underserved populations.
This law reflects a growing national trend toward accountability and equity in healthcare. If you are a licensed acupuncturist in Maryland, make sure your continuing education plan includes a board-compliant implicit bias training.
Need a course that meets the new Maryland law for acupuncturists? We offer an NCCAOM-approved Implicit Bias training that aligns with all state criteria and is tailored for integrative health professionals.
