New Jersey Senate Bill S4047

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/27/23
• Refer: 6/27/23
• Report Pass: 1/4/24

Caption

Requires certain health care professionals to undergo bias training.

Impact

The bill mandates that the Department of Health develops a training curriculum that encompasses a range of important topics, such as understanding implicit biases related to various demographics, communication strategies to mitigate these biases, and an overview of relevant discrimination laws. This initiative is significant as it aims to improve the quality of health care delivery by ensuring that providers recognize and honor the diverse cultural backgrounds of their patients, thereby promoting equitable treatment.

Summary

Senate Bill S4047 aims to address biases in health care by requiring certain health care professionals to undergo training focused on cultural competency and implicit bias. This bill targets health care providers licensed or certified under Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, specifically those providing in-home health care services. The training must be completed within one year of the bill's effective date and biennially thereafter, ensuring ongoing education on potential biases that could affect patient care.

Contention

Supporters argue that this legislation is a critical step towards fostering equity in health care, providing tools necessary for health care professionals to deliver respectful and informed care. However, concerns may arise regarding the implementation of such training, including potential pushback from health care workers regarding the requirement and the perceived effectiveness of the training. Legislative discussions may also involve debates on how compliance with these training requirements will be monitored and enforced.