Sandy Hoar, MPAS, PA-C, Department of Health Care Science, George Washington University, 701 Somerset Place, Hyattsville, MD 20783, 301-559-8404, npaseh@gwumc.edu

Language and cultural differences can add to the burden suffered by minorities. 11% of the US population, millions of individuals, are “limited English proficient” (LEP); limited in their ability to speak, read, write and understand English. An inability to communicate has especially adverse consequences in health care.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI, is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against persons based on national origin. It has been clarified and expanded to specifically include LEP persons. The CLAS Standards, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in health, are based on Title VI. They are 14 national standards issued by the Office of Minority Health (OMH) divided into three (3) themes: culturally competent care, language access to services, and organizational supports. Title VI and the CLAS Standards specify that hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices that receive federal funds, including Medicare and Medicaid payments, take adequate steps to ensure necessary language assistance for meaningful access to services. Patients may not be charged for interpreter services nor required to use a family member.

The OMH has specific examples of appropriate and inappropriate care and will assist in evaluating materials and resources. It also investigates complaints which may be referred for prosecution.

Practices that want to improve medical care, obey the law, and improve accreditation, will need to understand and address Title VI and the CLAS standards. Inexpensive changes can be implemented to begin meeting federal requirements.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to describe Title VI and the CLAS Standards.
• Participants will be able to identify several techniques and resources to help medical and public health practices meet Federal requirements.
• Participants will be able to describe at least two practices that violate Title VI and the CLAS Standards.

Keywords: Health Care Access, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.