California Bill - AB 1195 (Feb. '06)

 AB 1195, introduced by Assemblyman Joe Coto, requires continuing medical education courses, except those on research or other issues not related to direct patient care and those offered by out-of-state providers, to include curriculums in the subjects of cultural and linguistic competency in the practice of medicine on and after July 1, 2006.  The medical education courses must address at least one or a combination of the following:

1. Cultural competency through applying linguistic skills, using cultural information to establish therapeutic relationship, or using pertinent cultural data in diagnosis and treatment.

2. Linguistic competency, which refers to providing direct communication in the patient’s primary language.

3. A review or explanation of relevant federal and state laws/regulations regarding linguistic access.

  The bill also requires accreditation associations to develop standards before July 1, 2006.  Because the legislation states that the associations may develop the standards in conjunction with an advisory group that has expertise in cultural and linguistic competency issues, several language advocacy groups, including NHeLP, will be consulting with the Medical Board of California and various associations to provide recommendations and input for the development of the standards.  This is a critical initial step to ensure that physicians and surgeons in California can meet the cultural and linguistic needs of the state’s diverse patient population through appropriate professional development.