24 Miss. Code. R. 2-14.6 - Limited English Proficiency Services and Cultural Competency
A. The provider should take reasonable steps
to provide meaningful access to services, such as language assistance, for
those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and/or language-based
disabilities. Language assistance services, including bilingual employees and
interpreter services, must be offered at no cost to people with LEP. These
services must be offered at all points of contact with the person while
receiving services. A detailed description of when and how these services will
be provided must be clearly explained in the agency provider's policies and
procedures.
B. All agency providers
must develop and implement policies and procedures that address Culturally and
Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) federal guidelines in order to
improve access to care for people with Limited English Proficiency through the
elimination of language and cultural barriers. All policies and procedures
must:
1. Include the process for offering
language assistance to people who have LEP and/or other communication needs, at
no cost to them, to facilitate timely access to all services.
2. Describe how the agency provider informs
people of the availability of language assistance services clearly in their
preferred language, verbally, and in writing.
3. Ensure the competence of people providing
language assistance.
4. Provide
easy-to-understand multimedia materials and signage in the languages commonly
used by the population in the service area.
C. Cultural competency describes the ability
of an agency provider to provide services to people with diverse values,
beliefs, and behaviors, including tailoring service delivery to meet the
person's social, cultural, and linguistic needs. Cultural competency refers to
the acceptance of and respect for difference, the continuing self-assessment
regarding culture, attention to the dynamics of difference, ongoing development
of cultural knowledge, skills, and resources and flexibility within service
models to work towards better meeting the needs of diverse and minority
populations. Cultural competency requires that organizations:
1. Have a defined set of values and
principles and demonstrate behaviors, attitudes, policies, and structures which
enable them to work effectively and cross-culturally.
2. Have the capacity to value diversity,
conduct competency self-assessment, manage the dynamics of difference, acquire
and implement cultural knowledge, and adapt to diversity and the cultural
contexts of the communities they serve. 3. Incorporate the above in all aspects
of policy making, administration practice, service delivery, and systematically
involve people served, key stakeholders, and communities.
Policies and procedures manuals must address how the agency provider intends to provide services/supports and programs in a culturally competent manner and must reflect the agency provider's efforts to integrate values, attitudes, and beliefs of the people served into the services provided.
D.
Services and plan development must reflect cultural considerations of the
person and be conducted by providing information in a plain language and in a
manner that is accessible to people who have LEP.
E. DMH may utilize a linguistic and cultural
competency checklist for evaluation and monitoring of this rule.
Notes
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