H.J.R. 4

1

RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING CULTURAL
2 COMPETENCY IN THE DELIVERY OF
3 HEALTH CARE
4 2002 GENERAL SESSION
5 STATE OF UTAH
6 Sponsor: Judy Ann Buffmire
7 A joint resolution of the Legislature encouraging the Utah Department of Health to identify
8 and promote best practices in the delivery of culturally competent health care to Utah's
9 diverse populations.
10 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
11 WHEREAS, the number of ethnic and cultural minorities living in Utah has increased
12 significantly in recent years;
13 WHEREAS, cultural differences can introduce significant barriers to the delivery of
14 effective health care;
15 WHEREAS, health disparities between cultural and ethnic groups occur in the state of
16 Utah;
17 WHEREAS, the shortage of ethnic and cultural minority providers practicing in the state
18 of Utah and the lack of training and institutional support for the provision of culturally competent
19 care further contribute to disparities of access to care; and
20 WHEREAS, the cultural differences in expectations and attitudes toward health care and
21 wellness influence the delivery and use of health care services:
22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah urge the
23 Department of Health to identify and promote best practices in the delivery of culturally competent
24 health care, soliciting and integrating the input of representatives from diverse communities, health
25 care providers, administrators, and insurers throughout the state.
26 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urge the Department of Health to
27 disseminate information throughout the state regarding best practices in the delivery of culturally

28 competent health care in a concise and understandable format and to promote ongoing access to
29 resources and tools for implementation to the extent funding permits.
30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urge the Department of Health to work
31 cooperatively, as funding permits, through jointly sponsored educational programs, publications,
32 and other outreach efforts, with health care provides, administrators, and insurers to encourage the
33 adoption and use of best practices in the delivery of culturally competent health care throughout
34 the state.
35 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urge community outreach programs
36 to continue their efforts to involve the minority communities in the process to promote cultural
37 competency in the delivery of health care.




Legislative Review Note
as of 12-10-01 11:52 AM

A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel