SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson passed legislation aimed at strengthening medical education around perimenopause and menopause care by allowing this coursework to count toward Illinois’ required implicit bias awareness training.
“Too many women are told that their symptoms are just a part of aging without meaningful support or guidance,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation will help providers deepen their understanding and empower them with the tools to enhance patient-centered care.”
Senate Bill 3325 would allow a continuing education course covering perimenopause and menopause to count toward the existing one-hour implicit bias awareness training already required for licensed health care professionals. The implicit bias training requirement has been in place since Jan. 1, 2023.
The measure recognizes that education surrounding perimenopause and menopause — critical yet historically under-discussed stages of life — can help providers better understand patient experiences, improve communication and reduce disparities in care. The bill would not create a new mandate but would rather incentivize providers to expand their knowledge of menopause care while fulfilling existing requirements.
For health care professionals who provide maternal health services, existing law requires implicit bias training to include instruction on maternal health risk factors affecting individuals from marginalized groups beginning July 1 this year. Johnson’s measure would expand flexibility within this broader continuing education framework without adding new hours or requirements.
“Patients deserve clear, responsive answers when navigating these stages of life,” Johnson said. “By improving education around menopause and perimenopause, we empower providers to deliver informed, compassionate and effective care.”
Senate Bill 3325 passed the Senate Thursday.
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