What is Cultural Competency?

Cultural Competency, as defined by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), is the ability of individuals to understand the social, linguistic, moral, intellectual, and behavioral characteristics of a community or population, and translate this understanding systematically to enhance the effectiveness of healthcare delivery to diverse populations.

Further, Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that: No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

The prohibition of discrimination against persons based upon "national origin" requires recipients of federal financial assistance to perform certain functions so that persons who cannot speak english have access to various benefits and services for which they are eligible. These persons who cannot speak english are commonly referred to as "Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Recipients of federal financial assistance would include the Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children and by extension, Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, i.e., Passport Health Plan and their participating providers.

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that public accommodations must comply with basic non-discrimination requirements that prohibit exclusion, segregation, and unequal treatment of any person with a disability. Public accommodations (such as healthcare providers) must specifically comply with, among other things, requirements related to effective communication with people with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities, and other access requirements.

Communication, whether in written, verbal, or "other sensory" modalities is the first step in assuring that access to eligible benefits and services. One of the keys to ensuring equal access to benefits and services to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and sensory impaired members is to ensure that Passport and its providers effectively communicate with these members. In order to be in compliance with federal law and state contractual requirements, Passport Health Plan and its participating providers have an obligation to provide interpreter services to LEP members and to make reasonable efforts to accommodate members with other sensory impairments.

If you have any questions concerning Title VI or would like to schedule Cultural Diversity Training please contact Loretta Estes, Community Affairs Coordinator/Certified Cultural Diversity Trainer at (502) 585-7932.