Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Healthcare for District of Columbia Healthcare Professionals

Summary

This course provides practical guidance on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) for DC healthcare professionals, including nurses, CNAs, HHAs, and direct care staff. Learners will review respectful communication, language access, cultural responsiveness, LGBTQ-inclusive care, bias awareness, documentation, and everyday care decisions that support safe, person-centered service.

A healthcare professional respectfully communicating with a diverse adult client in a warm, realistic care setting.

Last Updated May 2026

Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN

Description

Target Audience
Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, direct care workers, and healthcare support staff who provide care or services in the District of Columbia.

Teaching Method
Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.

Overview
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services help healthcare workers provide care that respects each person’s language, culture, identity, values, communication needs, and care preferences. In daily practice, this includes using qualified interpreters when needed, avoiding assumptions, respecting names and pronouns, recognizing personal and family decision-making preferences, and responding professionally when cultural beliefs affect care routines.

This 3 Contact Hour course is designed for DC healthcare professionals at both licensed nursing and CNA/HHA levels. It focuses on practical actions that can be used in home care, assisted living, long-term care, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Learners will examine how communication barriers, implicit bias, limited English proficiency, disability, health literacy, and past negative healthcare experiences can affect trust, safety, dignity, and care follow-through.

The course also supports DC cultural competency expectations by addressing respectful care for LGBTQ individuals and other diverse populations. Learners will review how to observe, report, and document care-related concerns without judgment, how to involve supervisors when communication barriers or unresolved risks are present, and how to protect each person’s rights while following workplace policy and scope of practice.

Learner Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

Describe the purpose of CLAS and how culturally and linguistically appropriate care supports respectful, person-centered healthcare.
Identify practical communication steps for supporting clients and patients with language access needs, health literacy concerns, disability-related communication needs, or different cultural preferences.
Apply respectful, bias-aware care practices when serving diverse clients and patients, including LGBTQ individuals, while following role limits, documentation expectations, and workplace policy.

Disclosure
The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.