Oral

This session will provide in-depth discussion on cultural competency and the resulting increase in quality health care. The presentation will look at relationships between healthcare providers and patients from diverse racial/cultural backgrounds in a university health center. Also to be included is a discussion on the development and implementation of a comprehensive language assistance program created after passage of a legislative bill (SB 853) in 2003. In conclusion, the Illinois Public Health System will share practical solutions gathered from a forum with REHDAC (Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities Action Council) to highlight transportability and applicability of the solutions to the planning and policy development in any community increasing a culturally and linguistically competent public health care system.

Session Objectives: Participants will be able to: Recognize and be aware of specific diversity issues in university health centers. Define challenges and identify solutions in implementing language access legislation. Discuss ways to change health care administration policies and practices to impact the elimination of health disparities.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing