SPRINGFIELD – To provide better health care treatment to diverse communities, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation to establish provisions on cultural competency training for licensed health care professionals.

“Many studies have shown the difference in care people from different backgrounds receive when seeking health care, and this legislation aims to address those gaps,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Cultural competency training is an important tool to make sure doctors and health care professionals are providing equitable care to all communities they serve.”

The legislation, House Bill 2450, establishes provisions on cultural competency training for licensed health care professionals and sets limitations for the training requirements. For individuals whose renewal occurs every two years, they must complete all statutorily mandated topics within three renewal periods. For individuals whose renewal occurs every three years, they must complete all topics within two renewal periods if statutorily mandated.

The legislation will also require Alzheimer’s training to be completed prior to the end of the first renewal period.

“Understanding who you are treating is the first step. Healthcare Cultural Competency training will result in our constituents receiving access to better care,” said Villivalam. “This legislation will also provide more flexibility for our Healthcare Professionals to complete their continuing medical education.”

House Bill 2450 passed the Senate on Friday.

###