Civil Rights Information

When a program or entity receives federal funding, beneficiaries, like TennCare members, and participants, like providers, in that program have the right to receive services or participate in that program free from discrimination because of their race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, conscience and religious freedom, or other statuses protected by federal and/or state law.

• For a quick overview about providing high quality health care to all patients and provider’s civil rights obligations watch this video
• For more information about disability rights see: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and The Access Board

One way you can improve your patients’ health is by connecting them with community resources (like food pantries and housing help). TennCare has a Community Resource Directory called Tennessee Community Compass! Find information about free and reduced cost community services for your patients.

Providing Culturally Competent Care Free from Discrimination

• Want to learn more about providing cultural competent care? Information may be found at:
  1. The Think Cultural Health website features information, continuing education opportunities, resources, and more for health and health care professionals to learn about culturally and linguistically appropriate services
  2. Social Determinants of Health: Know What Affects Health
  3. Making Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Happen
• Do your patients understand their treatment plans? Help with achieving that goal may be found by viewing
  1. The North Carolina Health Literacy
  2. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has health literacy and communication tools and resources

• You can find Information about connecting with interpretation and translation resources at:
  1. Interpretation and Translation Services – If you need help locating language and communication assistance vendors contact TennCare’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance at HCFA.fairtreatment@tn.gov or the Provider Services division of your managed care organization. Also, use the 'I Speak' booklet to help identify a person’s primary language
  2. Working Effectively with an Interpreter