YET ANOTHER U.S. GOVERNMENT REGULATION DEMANDS YOUR ATTENTION

Dentists may be unaware that in April 2013 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced enhanced national standards for “culturally and linguistically appropriate services” in health and health care.  The 191-page document written by the HHS Office of Minority Health states as a basis for the guidelines:  “Given the increasing cultural diversity over the last several decades and the rapidly changing landscape of health and health care in the U.S., there is an increased need for health and health care professionals and organizations to provide effective, high-quality care that is responsive to the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of individuals served.”

While the HHS Office of Minority Health states that the “CLAS” (culturally and linguistically appropriate services) standards are primarily aimed at health care organizations, it also “encourages” individual providers to use the standards to make their practices more culturally and linguistically accessible and appropriate. 

Additionally, certain CLAS provisions in the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) currently apply to insurance companies and a variety of other health care entities such as accreditation and credentialing agencies, educators, community-based organizations, any organization receiving federal funds, and Public Health workforce members such as health care providers, staff, and administrators.

Be aware that these currently “encouraged and recommended” standards may become guidelines or mandates demanding action by you and your staff.