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- What is CLAS?
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)
For us, culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) is a way to improve the quality of services provided to all individuals, which will ultimately help reduce health disparities and achieve health equity. CLAS is about respect and responsiveness: Respect the whole individual and Respond to the individual’s health needs and preferences.
Health inequities in our nation are well documented. Providing CLAS is one strategy to help eliminate health inequities. By tailoring
services to an individual's culture and language preferences, health professionals can help bring about positive health outcomes for diverse populations.
The provision of health services that are respectful of and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and needs of diverse patients can help close the gap in health outcomes. The pursuit of health equity must remain at the forefront of our efforts; we must always remember that dignity and quality of care are rights of all and not the
privileges of a few.
What is the purpose of the national CLAS standards in health and healthcare?
The National CLAS Standards are a set of 15 action steps intended to advance health equity, improve quality, and help eliminate health care disparities by providing a blueprint for individuals and health and health care organizations to implement culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Why are CLAS standards important?
CLAS is an important way to help eliminate health care disparities because CLAS helps overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, which can lead to miscommunications and therefore poorer quality of care.
What are the 3 CLAS standards?
Engagement, Continuous Improvement, and Accountability
Collect and maintain accurate and reliable demographic data to monitor and evaluate the impact of CLAS on health equity and outcomes and to inform service delivery.
What does CLAS standards stand for?
National CLAS Standards
For us, culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) is a way to improve the quality of services provided to all individuals, which will ultimately help reduce health disparities and achieve health equity.