Which act mandates that federal funds must provide effective communication services to limited English proficient patients?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, particularly its provisions around access to health care services, underscores the importance of providing equal access regardless of race, color, or national origin. This act mandates that any entity receiving federal funds must ensure effective communication services for individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP). This requirement is critical in the healthcare context, where understanding and communication can significantly impact patient outcomes and experiences. By creating a legal obligation, the act ensures that language barriers do not prevent patients from receiving necessary care and information.

In contrast, while the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act significantly impacts healthcare access and affordability, its primary focus is on insurance coverage and healthcare reform rather than communication services for LEP individuals. The Americans with Disabilities Act deals primarily with individuals with disabilities and their right to access facilities and services but does not specifically address language access issues for non-English speakers. Title IX of the Education Amendments focuses on preventing sex-based discrimination in educational settings, not on healthcare access or communication services.

Thus, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands out as the legislation directly applicable to ensuring that federal funds are used in a way that provides meaningful access to healthcare services for those who may not speak English proficiently.