COMMUNICATION: COMMUNICATING WITH PATIENTS WHO ARE NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING

Course overview

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 mandates that all patients in the United States be provided with equal access to services; patients who are non-English speaking and those with limited English proficiency (LEP) must be able to communicate effectively with their healthcare providers. To comply with Title VI, healthcare facilities that receive federal funds must evaluate the language needs of the communities they serve, develop a comprehensive written policy regarding communication with patients who are non-English speaking, train staff members on all language policies and procedures, and monitor LEP patients’ needs and services. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of strategies to promote effective communication with patients who are non-English speaking, including a step-by-step process and the benefits of effective patient communication. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.