National Standards of Care

Standard 1

“Provide effective, equitable,
understandable and respectful quality care and
services that are responsive to diverse cultural
health beliefs and practices, preferred languages,
health literacy and other communication needs.

Standards 2, 3, and 4

refer to governance,
leadership, and workforce

Standards 5 through 8

refer to communication and
language assistance

Standards 9 through 14

refer to engagement,
continuous improvement, and accountability

Standard 15

concerns the organization’s progress in
implementing and sustaining the other standards

Is the following question true or false?
Each health care organization can develop their own
standards for handling cultural issues without
following specific guidelines.

True
It is true that each health care organization can
develop their own standards for handling cultural
issues; however, if they desire to receive federal
funds for providing health care, then they must
incorporate the National Standards for Care and follow
what has been mandated by federal regulations.

• Application of standards is recommended, and
  voluntary acceptance by health care organizations is
  strongly urged.

• Federal funds distribution depends on adherence to
  standards.

• Level of voluntary acceptance is more a mandate.

• Individuals who work within health care systems are
  expected to follow these standards as well.