HHS Issues Enhanced National CLAS Standards, Implementation Guide

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed and issued enhanced National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (national CLAS standards), as well as a guide that provides more information on each standard’s purpose and strategies for implementation. Originally issued in 2000, the national CLAS standards were enhanced by the HHS Office of Minority Health to ensure an even stronger platform for health equity. After conducting a public comment period, a systematic literature review, and ongoing consultations with an advisory committee composed of leaders and experts from a variety of settings in the public and private sectors, the standards were updated to have a broader reach to address the importance of cultural and linguistic competency at every point of contact throughout the healthcare and health services continuum.