Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board, Tribal Epidemiology Center Cultural Orientation Technical Assistance Manual: How to Develop a Cultural Awareness Orientation for your Care Program Ver 01.2013 Preface For the past decade, efforts have been made to address and eliminate health disparities in our nation. Research has shown that communication and cultural competency are important components of quality of care for underserved populations. As early as 1976, cultural orientation was recognized as a key component for doctor-patient relationship within the American Indian community (the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, IHCIA). Unfortunately, while the need was recognized, it remained unfunded, and thus, cultural awareness program implementation was few and far between. In December 2000, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (CLAS) to address inequities that existed in the provision of health services and to provide a framework for guidance about and a common understanding of cultural competence in healthcare. These standards were developed by professionals dedicated to cultural competency. Based on an analytical review of key laws, regulations, contracts, and standards in use by Federal
Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board, Tribal Epidemiology Center Cultural Orientation Technical Assistance Manual: How to Develop a Cultural Awareness Orientation for your Care Program Ver 01.2013 Preface For the past decade, efforts have been made to address and eliminate health disparities in our nation. Research has shown that communication and cultural competency are important components of quality of care for underserved populations. As early as 1976, cultural orientation was recognized as a key component for doctor-patient relationship within the American Indian community (the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, IHCIA). Unfortunately, while the need was recognized, it remained unfunded, and thus, cultural awareness program implementation was few and far between. In December 2000, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (CLAS) to address inequities that existed in the provision of health services and to provide a framework for guidance about and a common understanding of cultural competence in healthcare. These standards were developed by professionals dedicated to cultural competency. Based on an analytical review of key laws, regulations, contracts, and standards in use by Federal
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