Physicians; certain physicians must complete CME in cultural competence and implicit bias to receive renewal license.

HB 1342 would require physicians and osteopaths in Mississippi specializing in general practice, pediatrics, obstetrics, or gynecology to complete continuing medical education (CME) on cultural competence and implicit bias as part of their annual license renewal process. The State Board of Medical Licensure would verify this requirement before issuing a renewed license, ensuring these providers meet the new CME standard. The bill defines cultural competence as effectively addressing health issues across diverse backgrounds and implicit bias as unconscious attitudes influencing healthcare decisions. This change would integrate these topics into existing CME requirements without adding extra hours, directly affecting providers in those specific specialties.