National Standards
Background |
Basic Concepts: Genetic Counseling
and Genetics |
Basic Concepts: Cultural and
Linguistic Competence |
Legislation
I n this section, we provide information about the standards set for
health care providers in the U.S. related to cultural competency. The Office
of Minority Health website can be considered to be ‘home base’ for learning
about and gathering data on cultural competency, health disparities,
minority populations. The CLAS or Cultural and Linguistically Appropriate
Services standards provide the roadmap for any health care provider or
institution to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care for
all people. If you are working in a 
hospital, additional standards have been
set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
(JCAHO). We also suggest reviewing the National Quality Forum and Agency for
Health Care Research and Quality sites.
They are excellent resources for data and information about educational initiatives and activities targeting minority populations in health care settings. Lastly, The NCQA Multicultural Health Care standards and distinction program website highlights and recognizes health plans for their exemplary efforts and demonstrated effectiveness in promoting cultural competence and addressing the health care needs of diverse members.
Read about innovative health care programs that focus on:
- Language access
- Cultural competence
- Reducing clinical disparities
- Community driven programs/community partnerships
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate patient education
- Cross-cultural health initiatives
- Quality and culture intersection
- Culturally tailored disease management
It is critical for genetic counselors to participate in organizational cultural competence efforts and activities to improve the quality of all health care within their home institutional settings. Please review and use these national standards, and collaborate with your institution to continuously assess, improve and evaluate the service provided.
-
Institute of Medicine Reports Summary (PowerPoint)
-
Advisory Committee on Minority Health - Healthcare Access Report (pdf)
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- The NCQA Multicultural Health Care standards and distinction program
- Healthcare Equality Index
- Strategic Language Access Plan (pdf)
- Healthy People 2020
