LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency for DC Nurses 2 Contact Hours
About the course
Updated September 2026
LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency for DC Nurses
D.C. Code § 3-1205.10(b)(5) Compliant • 2 Contact Hours
RNs • LPNs • APRNs • ANCC Accredited • Instant CertificateThe District of Columbia requires every Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to complete 2 contact hours of LGBTQ cultural competency continuing education each renewal cycle under D.C. Law 21-95, the LGBTQ Cultural Competency Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2016 (D.C. Official Code § 3-1205.10(b)(5)). This online course fulfills the full 2-hour requirement. Complete it at your own pace and receive your certificate instantly.
Course Overview
This evidence-based course gives DC nurses the knowledge and practical skills to care effectively and respectfully for patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, queer, or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression (LGBTQ+). Developed by board-certified nurse practitioners, the content is built around the instruction DC law requires and focuses on what nurses can apply at the bedside, in the clinic, and in every patient conversation.
Topics include: current terminology related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; health disparities and risk factors affecting LGBTQ+ populations; minority stress and its effect on physical and behavioral health; collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) information respectfully and protecting patient privacy; affirming communication, including names and pronouns; clinical considerations for transgender and gender-diverse patients; creating welcoming care environments; and recognizing and addressing bias in healthcare settings.
Appropriate for nurses in all practice settings, including acute care, long-term care, home health, outpatient clinics, behavioral health, public health, education, and advanced practice roles. The requirement applies to every DC-licensed nurse regardless of specialty or setting.
Key Features
✓ Meets DC Mandate
Full 2-hour LGBTQ cultural competency CE
✓ RNs, LPNs & APRNs
All DC nursing license levels
✓ 100% Online
Self-paced, anytime access
✓ Instant Certificate
No subscriptions or auto-renewals
Renewing on a Shortened Cycle?
DC Health has moved all nursing licenses to a birth-month renewal cycle. Nurses whose license term was shortened by this one-time transition may complete 50% of the standard CE hours, but the full 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and the DC public health priorities requirement still apply. This course covers the LGBTQ portion in full.
Regulatory Statement: This course satisfies the District of Columbia requirement for 2 credits of instruction on cultural competency or specialized clinical training focusing on patients who identify as LGBTQ, as established by the LGBTQ Cultural Competency Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2016 (D.C. Law 21-95; D.C. Official Code § 3-1205.10(b)(5)). These 2 contact hours count toward the total CE hours required for DC RN, LPN, and APRN license renewal. Renew Now CE is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Nurses are responsible for ensuring completion of all renewal requirements applicable to their individual license.
Course Author: Joanna Nolte, APRN, MSN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC. Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Accredited Provider Program Director. No conflicts of interest to disclose.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
