SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law aims to strengthen medical education around perimenopause and menopause care by allowing this coursework to count toward Illinois’ required implicit bias awareness training.
“No one should feel dismissed or ignored while navigating menopause symptoms that impact their daily life, health and well-being,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Expanding education for health care professionals leads to more compassionate care and better outcome for patients.”
Senate Bill 3325 allows 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 law 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 law will not create a new mandate. Rather, it incentivizes providers to expand their knowledge of menopause care while fulfilling existing requirements.
For health care professionals who provide maternal health services, previous law required implicit bias training to include instruction on maternal health risk factors affecting individuals from marginalized groups beginning July 1. Johnson’s law expands flexibility within the broader continuing education framework without adding new hours or requirements.
“Menopause and perimenopause affect millions of people, yet far too many patients struggle to find accurate information and proper care,” Johnson said. “Greater awareness and education can help ensure women receive the support and treatment they deserve.”
Senate Bill 3325 was signed into law Friday.
