HHS Revises CLAS to Reflect Changing Demographic Trends

The Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, has made updates to the Culturally and Liguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards. The standards, which were introduced in 2000, seek to reduce healthcare disparities among different groups of people defined by characteristics such as race, disability status, native language and sexual orientation.

The updated standards address changing demographic trends. The changes come in response to studies showing that some caregivers are struggling with some of these trends, such as a rise in black, Hispanic and Asian residents.

HHS hopes that the new standards will help providers avoid malpractice litigation by helping to cut down on miscommunication and help providers adhere to new laws and regulations.

Changes to the standards include:

• A broader definition of "culture" 
• Revised terminology (for example, "patients and consumers" has been replaced by "individuals and groups" 
• An introductory Statement of Intent 

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