STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 54th Legislature (2014)

SENATE BILL 1533	By:	Johnson (Constance)

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to professions and occupations; providing definitions; requiring certain professionals to receive certain training prior to issuance or renewal of licensure; permitting state boards to issue certain waivers; directing adoption of certain rules; providing standards for rules; directing state boards to approve certain continuing education courses; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 6002 of Title 59, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
As used in this act:
1.  "Applicant" means an individual who applies for licensure, certification, or registration to practice as a health care professional;
2.  "Health care professional" means any of the following:
a.	a dentist licensed pursuant to the provisions of Section 328.1 et seq. of this title,
b.	a registered nurse licensed pursuant to the provisions of Section 567.1 et seq. of this title,
c.	an optometrist licensed pursuant to Section 581 et seq. of this title,
d.	a pharmacist licensed pursuant to Section 353 et seq. of this title,
e.	a physician licensed pursuant to Section 480 et seq. of this title,
f.	an osteopathic physician licensed pursuant to Section 620 et seq. of this title, or
g.	a social worker pursuant to the provisions of Section 1250 et seq. of this title; and
3.  "State Board" means one of the following, where applicable:
a.	the State Board of Dentistry, or
b.	the State Board of Nursing, or
c.	the State Board of Optometry, or
d.	the State Board of Pharmacy, or
e.	the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, or
f.	the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners, or
g.	the State Board of Licensed Social Workers.
SECTION 2.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 6003 of Title 59, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A.  To be eligible to receive or renew licensure, certification or registration, each applicant or health care professional shall submit to the appropriate state board evidence that the applicant has successfully completed the respective board's requirements for instruction or continuing education in cultural competency.
B.  A state board may grant an applicant a waiver of the Board's requirements for instruction or continuing education in cultural competency at its discretion.
C.  Each respective state board shall adopt rules regarding:
1.  The number of hours of instruction in cultural competency an applicant must complete to be eligible to receive or renew licensure, certification or registration from the respective board;
2.  The number of hours in continuing education in cultural competency required for issuance or renewal of licensure, certification or registration; and
3.  Criteria to be considered by the Board in deciding whether to issue waivers for cultural competency training.
D.  In developing its rules, each Board shall consider the problems of race and gender-based disparities in health care treatment decisions and consult with one or more professionally relevant and nationally recognized organizations that review the curricula offered by the applicable health care professional schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.
E.  Each state board shall approve one or more continuing education courses addressing cultural competency in health care treatment.  To be approved, a course must include instruction in addressing the problems of race and gender-based disparities in health care treatment decisions.  The respective board may approve courses that are included within continuing education programs certified by professional organizations or similar entities.
SECTION 3.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2014.

54-2-2938	JAM	1/15/2014 12:16:26 PM