NY S00259

Requires physicians, physician assistants, dentists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, podiatrists, optometrists, and nurse practitioners in New York to complete two hours of cultural awareness and competence training by July 1, 2024 and every registration period thereafter.

Training must cover minority healthcare issues including ethnic, religious, linguistic, sexual orientation, and gender identity healthcare issues and their impact on minority healthcare.

Establishes a $5 mandatory continuing education fee per registration period for all professionals required to complete the training, with exemptions for those granted waivers.

Provides exemptions for professionals who demonstrate no need for training based on their practice, have completed equivalent training, incorporated training in risk management courses, or are on active military duty.

Requires hospitals and facilities to request documentation of training completion before hiring or granting privileges, and prohibits granting privileges to those who have not completed the required training.