Standards in Support of Language and Culture

The Joint Commission views the issue of the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate health care services as an important quality and safety issue and a key element in individual-centered care. An individual’s involvement in care decisions is not only an identified right, but is a necessary source of accurate assessment and treatment information.

The following resources highlight The Joint Commission standards that support the provision of care, treatment, and services in a manner that is conducive to the cultural, language, health literacy, and learning needs of individuals.

• The Joint Commission 2008 Requirements Related to the Provision of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health Care, a comprehensive list of Joint Commission standards that support culturally competent care.
  
• Office of Minority Health National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards Crosswalked to Joint Commission 2008 Standards, a document that identifies which Joint Commission standards best support the CLAS requirements.
  
• Promoting Effective Communication—Language Access Services in Health Care, an article published in the February 2008 issue of The Joint Commission Perspectives that addresses language barriers and language services.
  
• Learn more about The Joint Commission accreditation standards.

For more information on the Hospitals, Language, and Culture study or to sign up for the HLC list serve, contact us at hlc-info@jointcommission.org.