Subcommittee backs bill to require bias-reduction training in licensed health-care continuing education

A Virginia Senate subcommittee voted unanimously to report SB 22 to the full Senate after hearing testimony that bias-reduction training, including content on diseases such as sickle cell disease, should be part of continuing competency requirements for certain health-care licensees.

Senator Locke, sponsor of the substitute, said the bill directs the Virginia Board of Medicine and the Virginia Board of Nursing to require continuing learning activities on bias reduction for licensees whose practice could affect patient outcomes. The governor’s representative said the governor supports the measure and highlighted maternal-health priorities.

Dr. Jamila Martin, associate professor and chair of nursing and allied health at Norfolk State University, told the panel she lost vision after mismanaged care and said the legislation “represents a full circle moment where lived experience, evidence, and policy intersect.” She and clinician groups described evidence linking implicit and explicit bias to disparities in diagnosis, treatment and maternal outcomes.

Senator Pokarski moved to report the bill; the subcommittee’s roll call returned Ayes 5, Nos 0. Supporters urged that the requirement be framed as an expected professional competency and not punitive.

The measure now moves to the next stage of consideration in the Senate.