Equity and equality are not the same; equality gives everyone the same resources while equity gives people the resources they need. With equity, everyone has the same opportunities as others. Research shows that inequities are part of the health care system and have always existed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the various impacts of health inequity that communities experienced due to structural discrimination and bias in the health care system. Access to health services and health care allows all people to enjoy productive and satisfying lives, and healthier Washingtonians lead to healthier, happier communities.”

WAC 246-12-820

Health equity continuing education training minimum hours.

Health care professionals must complete a minimum of two hours in health equity continuing education training every four years, unless the relevant rule-making authority specifies a higher number of hours in rule.  Health care profession boards and commissions may adopt rules that exceed the minimum standards.

WAC 246-12-830

Health equity continuing education training content.

An education program providing health equity continuing education training must:

(1) Include implicit bias training to identify strategies to reduce bias during assessment and diagnosis and may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the topics included in RCW 43.70.613 (3)(c).

(2) Have trainers with demonstrated knowledge and experience related to health equity. Research referenced in the training must be based on current empirical research and known best practices.

(3) Have courses that assess the health care professional's ability to apply health equity concepts into practice in accordance with profession specific rules, which may include, but are not limited to:

(a) An assessment at the end of an in-person or virtual continuing education training to determine knowledge gained during that training; or

(b) A document provided at the end of an in-person or virtual continuing education training that attests attendance at the training.

Number of CE hours awarded:

4 hours

Instructor Name and Bio:

Nirvana Kelly Scott is a teacher. For over a decade, Nirvana has over a decade of experience working in learning communities, serving youth furthest from educational justice. As an antiracist educator, she has worked with schools and organizations to support social justice and equity initiatives, focusing on healthcare, education, and poverty. She holds a master’s in teaching from the University of Washington and a master’s in education from the University of Georgia. As a researcher, Nirvana studied the impacts of social and economic marginalization on youth and development. She currently works as a Seattle Public Schools teacher and an equity and education consultant.

Nirvana is passionate about realizing the potential of people and their communities by dismantling unjust barriers. Her compassionate approach reflects her belief that we learn and grow through collaboration and solutions-oriented dialogue.