Health Occupations - Human Trafficking Awareness Training

Maryland health professionals get trafficking training credits

Beginning June 1, 2026, Maryland health occupations boards must offer continuing education credit for approved human trafficking awareness training. This option is available to people renewing a health occupations license or certificate. Training must be free, readily accessible, and at least one hour long. The Maryland Department of Health must approve the program by July 1, 2026, working with a local university. Approval also requires consultation with the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force and organizations serving survivors. Training covers sex and labor trafficking under federal and state law, trauma-informed care, and physical, behavioral, and emotional warning signs. It also covers screening, documentation, state mandatory reporting rules, reporting protocols including the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and survivor resources. Boards must publicize training options through general communications and their websites, and adopt rules by January 1, 2027.