Subcommittee approves targeted unconscious-bias CE for sickle cell care after Joint Commission recommendation

The House Health Professions Subcommittee voted 5-2 to report House Bill 1675 to the full committee. The bill would require continuing education in unconscious bias and cultural competency for Board of Medicine license renewals and was advanced after testimony citing Joint Commission findings about delayed treatment for patients with sickle cell disease.

Sponsor Delegate Hayes said the Joint Commission on Health Care recommended addressing unconscious bias because studies show patients with sickle cell disease often face longer waits for pain medication and stigma that can delay care. "Studies suggest that patients with sickle cell disease experience pain scribe who seek treatment in emergency departments experience significant delays in receiving care, waiting on an average of 70 to 75 minutes longer to receive initial doses of pain medication than is recommended by the American Pain Society," Hayes said, citing the commission's findings.

Supporters included health equity advocates and practitioners; Dr. Nicole Wardlaw provided online testimony describing family experiences and supporting the training. No new opposition was recorded beyond the general opposition heard earlier on similar unconscious-bias proposals.

The subcommittee adopted a motion to report the bill to the full committee on a 5-2 vote.