Create and Implement a Language Access Plan

Create and implement a language access plan to address communication barriers for individuals with limited English proficiency. The language access plan must align with standards for communication and language assistance defined in the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care (https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas).

Evidence of a practice-wide review and implementation of a plan to language access. Include all of the following elements:

1) Review - Documentation of a practice-wide review of existing tools and policies; AND

2) Gap analysis memo - Completion of a memo comparing the results of the above review with the four standards on communication and language assistance stipulated in the National CLAS Standards; AND

3) Plan to improve language access - A new or updated plan, which includes information on patient needs (i.e., common languages spoken, percent of practice’s population that has low English proficiency), defines how interpretation will be provided, outlines how patients and families will be notified about interpretation services, and specifies staff training; AND

4) Plan Implementation - Report comparing the results from implementing the new or updated language access plan with the four standards on communication and language assistance stipulated in the National CLAS Standards and documenting where gaps have been closed or still remain.