Associate dean for strategic engagement and impact and Maryland Nurses Association leadership collaborated to pass Maryland House Bill 783, marking a major step toward equity in health care.
On May 13, 2025, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed House Bill 783 into law, establishing a one-time structural racism training requirement for all licensed health professionals in the state — including nurses, social workers, and others. This landmark legislation is a vital step toward institutional accountability and culturally responsive care.
This achievement reflects the persistent advocacy and leadership of the Maryland Nurses Association (MNA), which has worked tirelessly to position nursing at the forefront of health equity efforts. From legislative testimony to broad-based community engagement, MNA’s voice continues to shape policies that promote justice and inclusivity across the profession.
Key highlights of the new law include:
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a one-time structural racism training requirement for all licensed health professionals
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training must be approved by the Cultural and Linguistic Health Care Professional Competency Program (the same program that oversees implicit bias training)
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professionals will attest to completion at their first license or renewal after April 1, 2026.
Special thanks go to Maryland legislators for their sponsorship of this critical legislation and their unwavering commitment to anti-racism in health care.
This policy milestone follows another notable achievement: the American Nurses Association recently awarded MNA $8,000 to support ongoing anti-racism programming through its “Actioning Antiracism in Nursing” grant initiative. The alignment of policy, funding, and professional will is helping to advance meaningful and lasting change in health care education and practice.
Yvette Conyers, DNP, RN, FNP-C, CTN-B, CFCN, CFCS, CNE, FADLN, CWCN-AP, UMSON assistant professor and associate dean for strategic engagement and impact, provided expert testimony and will lead efforts to develop training materials.