NC H1141

Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities shall study whether evidence-based implicit bias training for healthcare providers in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and birth centers would improve maternal health and reduce infant mortality among African Americans in North Carolina.

Study must evaluate a program with 10 specific components including identification of unconscious biases, barriers to inclusion, corrective measures, historical/contemporary exclusion effects, cultural identity information, cross-identity communication strategies, power dynamics discussion, health inequities in perinatal care, diverse community perspectives, and reproductive justice information.

Department may contract with an independent third party to conduct the research using appropriated funds.

Department shall report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by April 15, 2021.

$50,000 in nonrecurring funds appropriated to the Department for the 2020-2021 fiscal year to conduct the study; act becomes effective July 1, 2020.