Institutional Policy and Procedures
Organizational policies and procedures are the backbone of how business is conducted. Staff use policies and procedures to guide their work. Leadership can demonstrate a commitment to cultural effectiveness by promoting inclusive policies and including language that supports equity in the organization’s mission statement. By reviewing and updating institutional policies and procedures, organizations can systematically incorporate culturally effective strategies in the way they operate.
Manchester Community Health Center took a first step by conducting a review of its administrative and patient policies. Examples of policies include the development of a limited English proficiency plan, hiring and recruitment policies, training policies, safety and compliance.
Click Here for Institutional Policy and Procedures PDF
Action Steps
Review existing policies and procedures using an equity lens.
Update organizational mission, vision and values statements to include a commitment to cultural effectiveness
Develop a Limited English Proficiency Plan using the Four Factor Analysis.
Include cultural competence in job descriptions and in employee appraisal systems.
Resources & Links
A Toolkit for Serving Diverse Communities, U.S. Administration on Aging Published Date: 2010
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) A federal interagency website
American Speech Language Hearing Cultural Competence Checklist: Policy & Procedures
Sample job description and performance evaluation language
Using Workforce Practices to Drive Quality Improvement: A Guide for Hospitals. AHRQ & HRET
Sample Employment Equity Policy
Improving Quality and Performance: Cultural Competence and Workforce Diversity Strategies
NH DOE Office of Student Wellness Resource Guide: Supporting Culture and Diversity
Leadership
Leaders throughout the organization can act as change agents, moving the organization to become more culturally effective. What can leaders do?
Policies and Procedures
Written policies and procedures provide documentation of an organizations commitment to equity. What policies promote equity?
Data Collection and Analysis
Data provides the foundation for decision-making and evaluation. How can data help in strategic planning?
Community Engagement
Building relationships with the community contributes to connectedness and sharing feedback. How can you create an environment to share knowledge?
Language and Communication Access
Communication is key to quality patient care. What are strategies to enhance cross cultural communication?
Staff Cultural Competence
Staff interact with patients to promote good health outcomes. How can you promote the cultural competency of your workforce?
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
Organizations want to attract a highly skilled workforce from diverse backgrounds. What are strategies that promote workforce diversity?
