OH SB131

Requires dentists, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, physicians, psychologists, and social workers to complete cultural competency instruction or continuing education to receive or renew licensure, certification, or registration in Ohio.

Each state licensing board must adopt rules establishing the required number of hours of initial instruction and continuing education hours for cultural competency, as well as waiver criteria.

Requires boards to consider race and gender-based disparities in health care treatment decisions when developing cultural competency rules and to consult with nationally recognized professional organizations.

Each state board must approve at least one continuing education course on cultural competency within 90 days of the bill's effective date, including instruction on addressing race and gender-based disparities in health care.

Allows state boards to grant waivers of cultural competency requirements if an applicant or professional demonstrates substantially equivalent experience.