Purpose This week’s graded topic relates to the following Course Outcome (CO). CO6: Plans clinical practice activities that integrate professional nursing standards in accordance with the Nursing Code of Ethics and the ANA standards of practice (PO#6). Go to the link . View the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Standards (CLAS) categories aimed at equity and quality care (HHS, n.d.). Notice how these standards overlap with many of the expectations and standards in professional nursing practice!
Introduction
The National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards aim to provide equity and quality care for individuals with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. These standards align with professional nursing practice expectations and standards, highlighting the importance of incorporating cultural competency into the delivery of healthcare services. This paper will explore the intersection between the CLAS standards and professional nursing practice, highlighting how nurses can plan their clinical activities to integrate these standards and uphold the Nursing Code of Ethics and the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards of practice.
Overview of CLAS Standards
The CLAS Standards were developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services in healthcare. These standards reflect the changing demographics in the United States and the increasing diversity within patient populations.
The CLAS Standards consist of 15 categories that healthcare organizations should strive to implement to ensure equitable and quality care for all individuals. These categories include:
1. Culturally competent care: Respecting and valuing cultural differences and providing care that is sensitive to diverse cultural beliefs and practices.
2. Language access services: Ensuring that individuals with limited English proficiency have access to language interpretation and translation services.
3. Organizational supports for cultural competence: Creating policies and procedures that support and promote cultural competence within the healthcare organization.
4. Health equity: Eliminating disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes among different population groups.
5. Program and service delivery: Tailoring healthcare programs and services to meet the specific needs of diverse populations.
6. Communication and language assistance: Providing effective communication and language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
7. Engagement, continuous improvement, and accountability: Engaging with the community, continuously improving cultural and linguistic competency, and holding the organization accountable for meeting CLAS standards.
8. Governance, leadership, and workforce: Ensuring that leadership and staff within healthcare organizations reflect the diversity of the community they serve and possess the necessary skills to provide culturally competent care.
9. Data collection and use: Collecting and utilizing demographic data, including race, ethnicity, and language preference, to inform decision-making and improve healthcare outcomes.
10. Collaboration: Collaborating with community organizations and stakeholders to address the healthcare needs of diverse populations.
11. Conflict resolution: Resolving conflicts or disagreements that may arise in the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare.
12. Access to care: Ensuring all individuals have equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of their cultural or linguistic backgrounds.
13. Workforce training and education: Providing cultural competency training and education to healthcare providers to enhance their understanding of diverse cultural beliefs and practices.
14. Mechanisms for feedback and complaints: Establishing mechanisms for patients and healthcare professionals to provide feedback and submit complaints regarding the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
15. Cultural competence in professional education: Integrating cultural competence into the education and training of healthcare professionals.
Alignment with Professional Nursing Practice
Professional nursing practice encompasses a set of standards and ethical principles that guide nurses in delivering safe, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care. The CLAS Standards complement and align with these professional nursing standards, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence in nursing practice. Let us explore the ways in which the CLAS standards overlap with professional nursing practice expectations.
Cultural Competence: The CLAS standard on culturally competent care echoes the fundamental principle of nursing, which is to respect the dignity and worth of every individual. Nurses are expected to provide care that is sensitive to the diverse cultural beliefs and practices of their patients. By incorporating cultural competence into their practice, nurses can establish trusting relationships with patients and deliver care that respects their cultural backgrounds.
Language Access Services: The CLAS standard on language access services aligns with the ANA standard on effective communication. Nurses are responsible for ensuring effective communication with patients, including providing language interpretation services or utilizing translation devices for patients with limited English proficiency. This standard emphasizes the importance of overcoming language barriers to facilitate patient understanding and involvement in their healthcare decision-making.