History
House Bill 2611, which was passed during the 2013 legislative session, provided that certain agencies (including the Board) may adopt rules requiring licensees to receive cultural competency continuing education (CCCE). The Bill requires that the Board document licensees' participation in cultural competency CE and report biennially to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). After much consideration, in November of 2014 the Board issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing which proposed to require active and semi-active licensed psychologists and psychologist associates to complete four hours of CCCE in each biennial reporting period, effective January 1, 2016. After reviewing public comments on the issue, the Board adopted the rule on January 16, 2015.
Overview
Four hours of CCCE is required during each reporting period, starting January 1, 2016. This is a continuing (NOT one-time) requirement.
- As with the other CE requirements, CCCE does not apply to inactive status licensees. However, beginning January 1, 2016, four hours of CCCE within the last 24 months is required in order to reactivate a license (change from inactive to active or semi-active status).
- CCCE is included in the total 40 CE credits required for each 24 month renewal period- it does not add to the total number required.
- To qualify, a course must meet all of the rule criteria. It must be a qualifying program type and meet the program prerequisites (subject matter, qualified instructor and record of attendance), and is subject to random audit and failure to comply provisions as with any other CE.
- "Cultural competence” means a life-long process of examining values and beliefs and developing and applying an inclusive approach to health care practice in a manner that recognizes the context and complexities of provider-patient communication and interaction and preserves the dignity of individuals, families and communities.
(a) Cultural competence applies to all patients.
(b) Culturally competent providers do not make assumptions on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived abilities, disabilities or traits whether inherent, genetic or developmental including: race, color, spiritual beliefs, creed, age, tribal affiliation, national origin, immigration or refugee status, marital status, socio-economic status, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition status, level of formal education, physical or mental disability, medical condition or any consideration recognized under federal, state and local law. [OAR 943-090-0010(3)]
When Do I Report?
The CCCE requirement applies to renewal periods beginning January 1, 2016 or later. Please refer to the following table to see when these changes will first apply to you. Your 2016-2017 renewal notice will also remind you of this requirement.
TABLE
Resources
- OBOP Cultural Competence CE Guide - Released by the CCCE Workgroup, May 2017.
- Cultural Competency: A Practical Guide for Medical Professionals - Released by the Oregon Medical Board, June 2017.
- Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Office of Equity and Inclusion's CCCE Webpage.
- This includes the Registry of OHA-Approved CCCE Trainings. Note that this list is still under development by OHA. CCCE education does not need to be OHA-approved in order to qualify for credit; it must meet the criteria as described above.
- OHA-approved CCCE opportunities shall teach attitudes, knowledge and skills enabling health care professionals to effectively communicate with and care for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities. These skills may include:
(A) Applying linguistic skills to communicate effectively with patients.
(B) Using cultural information to establish therapeutic relationships.
(C) Eliciting, understanding and applying cultural and ethnic data in the process of clinical care. [OAR 943-090-0020(6)]
- Developers CCCE training opportunities for health professionals: submit an application to OHA to determine if the opportunity meets specific criteria for OHA’s approval of high quality, standards of excellence in cultural competency education. Please visit the OEI Website for more information and to apply.
- Board CE Rules: OAR Chapter 858, Division 40