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Provider Manual

Cultural competency and language access awareness

Last Updated on January 28, 2026

What is cultural competency?
Cultural competency is the ability for an individual to understand, respect and be aware of the values, beliefs and attitudes across different cultures. This is particularly important for health care providers so they may provide appropriate health care services to patients with cultures or language backgrounds that may be different from their own. Cultural beliefs,  race and ethnic backgrounds, language needs, gender and sexual orientation are key components to be aware of in providing culturally competent health care. Click on the links below to access the resources. 

The National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards
The National CLAS Standards provide a framework to improve quality and remove health care disparities. Learn more about these 15 standards for health care. (https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas/standards)

Learn more about cultural competency and language access at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
(https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/minority-health/resources/cultural-language.htm)