Maryland Implicit Bias Training for Nurses

Target Audience
Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses practicing in Maryland who have not previously completed Maryland’s required implicit-bias training and nurses seeking education on recognizing and addressing implicit bias in healthcare delivery.

Teaching Method
Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.

Overview
Implicit bias may influence how healthcare professionals perceive information, communicate with patients, interpret behavior, and approach clinical decisions without conscious intent. In nursing practice, objective assessment, respectful communication, accurate documentation, and consistent application of care standards are important to patient-centered care and professional judgment.

This Maryland-specific course examines implicit bias in the context of healthcare delivery and nursing responsibilities. Learners will review how implicit attitudes and assumptions may affect patient interactions, assessment, communication, treatment-related processes, and the interpretation of patient concerns. The course emphasizes recognizing situations in which bias may influence judgment and separating observable patient information from assumptions or generalized beliefs.

Practical bias-interruption strategies are presented to help nurses pause, review relevant clinical information, use respectful and individualized communication, seek clarification, and apply consistent care processes. Scenario-based reflection supports the application of these strategies to real-world nursing situations involving assessment, communication, documentation, escalation of concerns, and professional role boundaries.

Maryland’s implicit-bias training requirement is a one-time requirement for applicable health-occupation license and certificate holders. Individuals who previously completed the required Maryland implicit-bias training generally do not repeat the requirement. Individuals who have not previously completed the training must complete approved training and attest to completion at the applicable renewal. Maryland also has a separate structural racism training requirement beginning with the first renewal after April 1, 2026.

This course is developed for submission through the applicable Maryland recognition and approval process. Pending Maryland recognition and approval, completion of this course should not be represented as satisfying Maryland’s statutory implicit-bias training requirement.

Learner Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Identify ways implicit bias may affect nursing assessment, communication, and healthcare delivery.
• Describe factors and clinical situations in which assumptions or unconscious associations may influence professional judgment and patient interactions.
• Apply practical bias-interruption strategies to support objective assessment, respectful communication, consistent decision-making, and appropriate documentation in nursing practice.

Disclosure
The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.