The only requirement is that proper credit be given to the National Center for Cultural Competence. Nationally, linguistic diversity creates complex challenges for health care delivery systems. During the last decade the number of people in need of health care services who have limited English proficiency has risen dramatically. Accurate and honest communication between health care providers and patients is essential to the effective delivery of quality health care services.
Significant barriers exist to the delivery of linguistically competent health care services.
Although Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against persons with limited English proficiency, there are statutes in many states that have English only requirements. The use of state funds to provide linguistic access services is strictly prohibited by these states. There is a perception that even Federal funds can not be used for the provision of linguistic access services within English only states. This continues to be litigated at the state and Federal levels. Standards for linguistic access have not been issued at the Federal level.