Human Trafficking: Michigan - LARA

New requirements of the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires one-time training on identifying victims of human trafficking. Continuing education (CE) credits on human trafficking are not required for nurses, however, it is a training requirement that can be met in a number of ways (see Administrative Rule 338.10105):

R 338.7126 Training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking; requirements.

Rule 26. (1) Under section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, an individual or seeking licensure or who is licensed shall complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets satisfies all the following standards:

(a) Training content must cover all of the following:

• (i) Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in this state or the United States.
• (ii) Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
• (iii) Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.
• (iv) Identifying resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.

(b) Acceptable providers or methods of training include any of the following:

• (i) Training offered by a nationally recognized or state-recognized health-related organization.
• (ii) Training offered by, or in conjunction with, a state or federal agency.
• (iii) Training obtained in an educational program that has been approved by the board for initial licensure, or by a college or university.
• (iv) Reading an article related to the identification of victims of human trafficking that meets the requirements of subdivision (a) of this subrule and is published in a peer review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal.

(c) Acceptable modalities of training include any of the following

• (i) Teleconference or webinar.
• (ii) Online presentation.
• (iii) Live presentation.
• (iv) Printed or electronic media.

(2) The department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request documentation of proof of completion of training. If audited by the department, an individual shall provide an acceptable proof of completion of training, including either of the following:

(a) Proof of completion certificate issued by the training provider that includes the date, provider name, name of training, and individual’s name.

(b) A self-certification statement by an individual. The certification statement must include the individual’s name and either of the following:

• (i) For training completed under subrule (1)(b)(i) to (iii) of this rule, the date, training provider name, and name of training. 
• (ii) For training completed under subrule (1)(b)(iv) of this rule, the title of article, author, publication name of peer review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal, and date, volume, and issue of publication, as applicable.

(3) Under section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, the requirements specified in subrule (1) of this rule apply for license renewals beginning with the 2017 renewal cycle and for initial licenses issued beginning January 6, 2022. (Michigan Register, Sept, 1, 2021)

Read the complete Nursing FAQ document.

11. There have been changes to the Public Health Code and Administrative Rules that require licensees and individuals seeking licensure to complete human trafficking training. When does this take effect?

Beginning with the March 31, 2018 renewal cycle and all renewal cycles thereafter, licensees must have completed training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meet the standards established in Administrative Rule 338.10105.

Beginning January 6, 2022, individuals seeking initial licensure in Michigan must have completed Human Trafficking Training prior to obtaining a nursing license.

The Human Trafficking Training is a one-time training and is not part of the continuing education requirement but may be satisfied via a continuing education activity. The Board conducts a random audit after each renewal period. At that time, a percentage of all licensees renewing will be randomly selected and notified by mail that they must submit evidence of having obtained their human trafficking training. If you are selected in an audit, then you will be required to submit a copy of your human trafficking training documentation. (Please retain your original.)

12. Does my training on Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking count towards my CE hours?

No. However, if the training also satisfies the Board’s requirements for CE, then the training may be applied toward your CE requirement.