As of April 3, 2023, submissions of Cultural Competency Training (CCT) courses for Nevada state-licensed health facilities are not being accepted or reviewed. Licensed health facilities must continue to train staff in accordance with the non-discrimination requirements (NRS 449.101 – NRS 449.104); a list of approved third-party trainings can be found below. Since these statutes do not require training to be repeated, once an individual health facility staff member receives the training from an approved program, it results in compliance with these laws and does not need to be repeated. Facility inspectors will continue to check employee files for proof of CCT and complaints will continue to be investigated where noncompliance with these laws is alleged.
In 2019, the Legislature passed SB 470, which requires medical facilities to conduct training relating specifically to cultural competency so that staff may better understand patients or residents who have different cultural backgrounds. The training must be provided through a course or program that is approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). Hospitals may create their own course, or have staff attend one of the approved courses listed on DPBH’s website: LGBTQ-Home (nv.gov). There are currently four approved training courses:
- Nevada Public Health Training at University of Nevada, Reno – Making Health Happen (self-paced online and in-person options available)
- High Sierra Area Health Education Center (AHEC)/Nevada Primary Care Association (NVPCA) – Cultural Competency Training | NV Cultural Competency | Nevada
- Elle Psychology – Elle Psychological Services, LLC | Therapeutic Services | United States (drchapplelove.com)
- Flex Ed – Welcome to Flex Ed
Click here to read the text of SB 470.
In addition, SB 364 was also passed and requires facilities to carry out policies to prevent specific types of prohibited discrimination and post an antidiscrimination statement prominently in the facility on the website. SNFs must post prominently in the facility and on the website notice that a patient or resident may file a complaint with the Division, as well as the contact information for the Division. Training requirements are also outlined in this bill.
Click here to read the text of SB 364.
Click here to read the regulations.
Finally, AB 327 was passed in 2021 and requires certain mental health professionals to complete continuing education concerning cultural competency and diversity, equity and inclusion. This law requires psychiatrists, physician assistants practicing under the supervision of a psychiatrist, nurses, marriage and family therapists, clinical professional counselors, social workers, clinical alcohol and drug counselors, alcohol and drug counselors, problem gambling counselors, and behavior analysts to complete two hours of continuing education renew their professional licensure. Educational programs must be approved by the licensing board.
Nevada Rural Hospital Partners and the Nevada Hospital Association have put together a training that meets the requirements for AB 327 that has been approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing: Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Training and Education (nrhp.org). This training may meet the requirements for other licensing boards as well, but would need to be approved by them. This training does NOT meet the requirements for the medical facility training outlined in SB 470 (above).
Members may find the following field guide from the Joint Commission helpful: Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient- and Family-Centered Care