Cultural competency and health equity CE requirements by state
Several states require training in cultural competency or health equity, and DC requires LGBTQ cultural competency. Oregon and Washington count these hours toward your total.
3states require it of PTs
5states require it of OTs
| State | Physical therapists | Occupational therapists |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency rules | 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency rules |
| Illinois | Not required | Illinois has also added cultural competency training for health care licensees. Check IDFPR for the current list and hours. rules |
| Ohio | Not required | At least 1 hour of ethics, jurisprudence or cultural competence each renewal cycle rules |
| Oregon | At least 1 hour of cultural competency education each period rules | At least 1 hour of cultural competency each renewal cycle (the Oregon Health Authority's approved list is encouraged) rules |
| Washington | 2 hours of health equity training every two years (these count toward your total) rules | At least 2 hours of health equity training every 4 years (they count toward the 24) rules |
Where to take it
- Oregon encourages courses from the Oregon Health Authority's approved list, and Washington's health equity courses must meet state standards. Check your state's page for its rules.
Summaries of each board's rules. A state not listed doesn't require this topic as far as its PT and OT rules say. Rules change, so confirm with your board.
Other required topics
- Ethics 21 states
- State law and jurisprudence 25 states
- Human trafficking 3 states
- Implicit bias 3 states
- Suicide prevention 4 states
- Pain management 2 states
- Preventing medical errors 1 state
- HIV/AIDS 1 state
- Child abuse recognition and reporting 2 states
- CPR and basic life support 3 states
- Sexual harassment prevention 1 state
- Dementia recognition 1 state
- Mental health and substance use 1 state