What is “Cultural Competency,” and why is it important?
Cultural competency is the ability to understand, respect, and communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Developing cultural competency can help providers:
- Establish trust with members.
- Improve adherence to treatment plans and preventative care
- Reduce health disparities by recognizing and addressing social determinants of health that affect different cultural groups
- Communicate effectively so that members can better understand diagnoses, treatment options, and care instructions
Per the National Council on Quality Assurance (NCQA) (QI, Element E, Factor 2) and CMS (42 CFR 438.10), practitioners are required to complete cultural competency/sensitivity training.
How do providers become more culturally competent?
There are many ways to become more culturally competent, like taking time to learn about different cultures or building relationships within the community.
All providers are required to attest in regular quarterly attestations if they have completed cultural sensitivity training. The Select Health provider directory will be updated based on the provider’s response (Yes or No) to help members find the best provider for their needs.
For Colorado Providers, the Colorado Department of Insurance (DOI) requirement (3 CCR 702-4, Amended Regulation 4-2-80), clinic managers are required to attest for the providers and front office staff at all locations whether they have completed a cultural competency training or equivalent via this Qualtrics Survey link.
Where can providers find online training for cultural competency?
Select Health offers a brief, online training that complies with NCQA and CMS requirements.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides an online cultural competency training for both providers and front office staff: Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals.