Nurse criticizes Virginia bill mandating implicit bias training
A Nurse’s Critique of Virginia’s Implicit Bias Training Bill
A veteran nurse passionately criticized the latest bill proposed by the Virginia General Assembly, which would require nurses in the state to undergo implicit bias training in order to maintain their medical licenses.
In a radio interview on WMAL’s O’Connor and Company, Laura Morgan, a nurse and chief of staff of Do No Harm, expressed her concerns about the bill. She highlighted the potential consequences of not completing the training, stating, ”The bill proposes that without the implicit bias training, licenses will not be able to be renewed, and this is a little surprising in a time when we’ve heard much news about the lack of nurses and physicians available to take care of patients already.”
The Details of Senate Bill 35
Senate Bill 35 mandates that the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing require licensed individuals to participate in continuing learning activities focused on unconscious bias and cultural competency.
The bill states, “Such unconscious bias and cultural competency training shall be required for every license renewal period for licensees of the Board.”
Morgan shared stories she had heard from nurses in other states where similar bias training had been enforced. She revealed that some nurses had chosen to leave the profession rather than comply with these principles.
According to Morgan, the nursing profession already emphasizes equal treatment for all patients, making the push for implicit bias training feel unnecessary and insulting to many medical professionals.
“Physicians and nurses are taught from day one to treat all patients equally, but unfortunately concepts like implicit bias go along with other concepts such as health equity which doesn’t have anything to do with equality,” Morgan explained.
The bill is sponsored by three Democrats, state Sens. Mamie Locke, Jennifer Carroll Foy, and Lashrecse Aird, and one lone Republican, Sen. Chris Head from the Roanoke area.
Morgan expressed disappointment with Head’s support of the bill, stating, “It’s really disappointing that this happened because the concepts of implicit bias are really in direct opposition to what equality means. To go along to bring about some sort of utopian state of health equity, which is not conceivable, is surprising.”
Furthermore, the mandatory bias training would come with a hefty price tag of approximately $3.5 million starting in 2025. It would also require the respective medical boards to hire five new full-time equivalent positions, each with a salary of $140,750.
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How does Morgan propose addressing bias and cultural competence in healthcare through alternative approaches?
Sed nurse or physician and shall be a condition for license renewal.” The bill further elaborates on the content of the training, stating that it should include topics such as “the impact of unconscious biases on health outcomes, strategies to identify and mitigate implicit biases in clinical care, and strategies to address cultural and linguistic barriers to effective communication.”
Morgan’s Concerns
Morgan raised several concerns about the bill, questioning its effectiveness and practicality. She argued that implicit bias training should not be a condition for license renewal, as it may create unnecessary barriers for healthcare providers. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a focus on the skills and competence of medical professionals rather than imposing additional requirements that may not directly translate into better patient care.
Furthermore, Morgan expressed doubts about the impact of the training, stating that unconscious biases are deeply ingrained and difficult to change through a simple training program. She argued that such biases are deeply rooted in society and would require much more comprehensive and systemic efforts to address effectively.
Morgan also highlighted the potential burden on nurses and physicians to complete the training, especially given the current shortage of healthcare professionals. She warned that the bill could inadvertently exacerbate the shortage by adding another layer of time-consuming requirements to an already demanding profession.
Alternative Approaches
In response to the proposed bill, Morgan proposed alternative approaches to address the issue of bias and cultural competence in healthcare. She advocated for a more comprehensive examination of systemic issues that perpetuate biases, such as improving access to healthcare and diversifying the healthcare workforce. She argued that these broader efforts would have a more significant and lasting impact on improving patient care and reducing disparities.
Morgan also suggested promoting ongoing cultural competency training as part of professional development, rather than making it a mandatory requirement for license renewal. She emphasized the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning for healthcare providers to address any biases they may have and improve their interactions with patients from various backgrounds.
The Way Forward
In conclusion, Laura Morgan, a nurse and chief of staff of Do No Harm, expressed her concerns regarding the Virginia General Assembly’s proposed bill mandating implicit bias training for nurses. While acknowledging the importance of addressing unconscious biases in healthcare, Morgan argued that the bill’s approach may be counterproductive and could add unnecessary burdens to an already strained healthcare system. She proposed alternative approaches, such as improving access to healthcare and promoting continuous cultural competency training, as more effective ways to combat bias and improve patient care. As the bill continues to navigate through the legislative process, it is crucial to consider the concerns raised by experienced healthcare professionals like Morgan, in order to determine the most effective and practical approach to address implicit biases in the medical field.
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