# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions

### Subtitle 8. Continuing Education in Health Care Disparities, Cultural and Linguistic Competency, and Health Literacy

#### Section 1-801

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Applicant" means an individual who applies for licensure to practice as a health care professional.

(c) "Board" means:

  (1) The State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, and Speech-Language Pathologists;

  (2) The State Board of Dental Examiners;

  (3) The State Board of Nursing;

  (4) The State Board of Examiners in Optometry;

  (5) The State Board of Pharmacy;

  (6) The State Board of Physicians;

  (7) The State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;

  (8) The State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists;

  (9) The State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; and

  (10) The State Board of Social Work Examiners.

(d) "Health care professional" means:

  (1) An individual licensed by the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, and Speech-Language Pathologists;

  (2) A dentist licensed by the State Board of Dental Examiners;

  (3) A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse licensed by the State Board of Nursing;

  (4) An optometrist licensed by the State Board of Examiners in Optometry;

  (5) A pharmacist licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy;

  (6) A physician licensed by the State Board of Physicians;

  (7) A podiatrist licensed by the State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;

  (8) An individual licensed by the State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists;

  (9) A psychologist licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; and

  (10) An associate social worker, a graduate social worker, a certified social worker, or a certified social worker-clinical licensed by the State Board of Social Work Examiners.

#### Section 1-802

(a)

  (1) The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities shall provide to each board a list of recommended courses in cultural and linguistic competency, health disparities, and health literacy.

  (2) The Department, in consultation with the Department of Veterans and Military Families, shall provide to each board a list of recommended courses in uniformed services culture.

(b) Each board shall:

  (1) Post the list of recommended courses provided to the board under subsection (a) of this section prominently on the board's website;

  (2) Provide information about the recommended courses to health care professionals at the time of renewal of licensure; and

  (3) Advertise the availability of the recommended courses in newsletters and any other media published by the board.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)