Ward Bill to Ensure Culturally Competent Care for LGBTQ+ Patients Advances to State Senate

(SACRAMENTO,CA) – The LGBTQ+ community faces unique barriers when navigating the healthcare system, including a lack of access, stigma and discrimination. To help address some of these concerns when LGBT+ patients receive medication, Assemblymember Chris Ward introduced AB 2194 to require pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to undergo at least one hour of culturally competent training before receiving a license. Today, the bill passed the Assembly Floor and now advances to the State Senate. 
 
“One bad experience can lead to someone not seeking out medical care in the future and worsen healthcare outcomes,” said Assemblymember Ward (D-San Diego). “Ensuring that our pharmacists are trained and able to provide medication in a way that respects the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals will allow trusting relationships to be formed and improve the experience for everyone.”
 
As LGBTQ+ healthcare continues to evolve, AB 2194 will allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to be on the forefront of providing culturally competent care for the estimated 2.6 million people identifying as LGBTQ+ in California. According to the California Department of Health, 220,000 adults identify as trans, transgender or non-binary in the state. AB 2914 provides a pathway for one of the most utilized healthcare providers to learn appropriate and empathetic communication skills to serve the best interests of the LGBTQ+ community.