Ohio Senate to consider requiring health workers to take culture classes

A proposal to require heath care workers to complete cultural compentency training is once again being considered in the state legislature (Source: “Ohio state senator revives bill requiring culture classes for health workers,” MedCity News, Feb. 10, 2011).

Newly elected Sen. Charleta Tavares, D-Columbus, has introduced Senate Bill 60, the fourth such proposed legislation in the past seven years.

“Understanding the race, culture and ethnicity of the population you’re serving ensures that you’re providing the most appropriate service for that individual,” Tavares said.

Under Tavares’ plan, a wide range of state-licensed and -certified professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists would be required to take the classes.State boards that license or certify workers in each profession would be charged with developing the specific classes.