Rule 24-2-14.4 - Limited English Proficiency Services and Cultural CompetencyA. Language assistance services, including bilingual employees and interpreter services, must be offered at no cost to people with limited English proficiency. These services must be offered at all points of contact with the person while he/she is receiving services. A detailed description of when and how these services will be provided must be clearly explained in the agency provider's policies and procedures.B. All agency providers must develop and implement policies and procedures that address Culturally and Linguistically Appropriately Services (CLAS) federal guidelines developed by the Office of Minority Health (OMH), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services in order to improve access to care for limited English proficient people through the elimination of language and cultural barriers. All policies and procedures must include: 1. The process for offering language assistance to people who have limited English proficiency and/or other communication needs, at no cost to them, to facilitate timely access to all services.2. How the agency provider informs people of the availability of language assistance services clearly and in their preferred language, verbally and in writing.3. Ensure the competence of people providing language assistance, recognizing that the use of untrained people and/or minors as interpreters should be avoided.4. Provide easy-to-understand print and multimedia materials and signage in the languages commonly used by the population in the service area.C. Cultural competence describes the ability of an agency provider to provide services to people with diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors, including tailoring service delivery to meet the person's social, cultural and linguistic needs. Policies and procedures manuals must reflect the agency provider's efforts to integrate values, attitudes and beliefs of the people served into the services provided.D. Services and plan development must reflect cultural considerations of the person and be conducted by providing information in a plain language and in a manner that is accessible to people who have limited English proficiency. Section 41-4-7 of the Mississippi Code, 1972, as Amended