(SACRAMENTO,CA) – Nearly one in four transgender people avoid seeking necessary health care due to fear of discrimination or mistreatment based on their gender identity, according to a survey from the National Center for Transgender Equality. To help address this issue when LGBTQ+ 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 every two years. The bill now heads to Governor Newsom’s desk for his signature.
“All it takes is one negative experience for someone to not seek out medical care when they need it,” said Assemblymember Ward (D-San Diego). “This bill will ensure pharmacists have the training and knowledge to provide medication to LGBTQ+ individuals in a respectful and culturally competent manner, so trusting relationships can be formed and maintained throughout the patient’s medical history.”
California is home to the highest population of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ in the United States. An estimated 2.6 million people identify as LGBTQ+ in the Golden State, with 220,000 adults identifying as trans, transgender or non-binary according to the California Department of Public Health. AB 2194 will help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians develop a trusting relationship with LGBTQ+ individuals through appropriate and empathetic communication, making patients more likely to pursue positive health outcomes in the future.