Introduction
In order to improve the quality of care provided to patients, healthcare organizations must practice equity, diversity, and inclusion. The company can promote multiculturalism by ensuring that all patients receive unbiased care. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “of all forms of inequity, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane” (Stanford, 2020). In all healthcare settings, cultural diversity exists; for example, color, gender, and socioeconomic status all play a role in representation, acceptability, and advancement inside and outside the institution (Stanford, 2020). The healthcare workforce must represent and relate to a culturally diverse community in order to provide the best care to all demographic groups.
Laws, Regulations, and Policies Related to Equitable Service
First, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 was passed with the goal of reducing health disparities in the United States. The main objective was to enhance access to care and make health insurance more affordable. Furthermore, it was to improve data collection on multiculturalism and the overall healthcare workforce (Stanford, 2020). For example, they were taking steps to ensure that their workforce is diverse and representative of the communities they serve.
The second is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which requires all healthcare businesses to safeguard patient data as well as providing equitable access to care irrespective of race, ethnic background, or national origin. Since the information gathered in healthcare organizations is sensitive, privacy and confidentiality issues may arise, leading to discrimination (Stanford, 2020). The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the third regulation that prohibits discrimination based on age, race, color, sexual orientation, gender, and religion. It promotes the idea that having a diverse workforce will increase healthcare use and adherence. Minority patients, for example, will feel more secure when they see providers of their race (Williams et al., 2016). The EEOC law applies to all work-related situations, including hiring and firing.
Implications of Diversity of Healthcare Organizations
Diversity in any healthcare organization has various important implications. Firstly, having a varied team will ensure that the care provided is sensitive and aligns well with diverse cultures. This is achieved through the recruitment of a diverse workforce. In addition, the health workers must be well aware of the multicultural patient group to ensure culturally competent treatment. Secondly, the healthcare organization must always be prepared to respond to disasters and emergencies that may impact different community backgrounds. They should have a well-laid-out plan to tackle the needs of diverse patients and employees. Additionally, a healthcare organization must be aware of any possible bias and discrimination and take the necessary steps to prevent it. n
Thirdly, diversity in healthcare organizations can help prevent any form of discrimination. This is achieved through equitable access to care and having a diverse workforce, thus replicating the community they serve. Fourth, diversity in a healthcare system will help the organization attract and retain a qualified diverse workforce. By having a diverse workforce, the healthcare organization will better understand the needs of the patients and the communities they serve.
Conclusion
In order to ensure that all patients are able to have fair access to care and that caregivers put more importance on providing equitable care, the healthcare system must abide by several laws and regulations. Additionally, it is important for any healthcare organization to understand the implications of diversity to offer better culturally competent care and services. Finally, healthcare organizations must collaborate with various community groups to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the neighborhood.
References
Stanford, F. C. (2020). The importance of diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce. Journal of the National Medical Association, 112(3), 247-249. Web.
Williams, J. S., Walker, R. J., & Egede, L. E. (2016). Achieving equity in an evolving healthcare system: Opportunities and challenges. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 351(1), 33-43. Web.