The Joint Commission, with funding from The Commonwealth Fund, is developing accreditation requirements for hospitals to advance effective communication, cultural competence, and patient-centered care. Under the direction of Paul Schyve, M.D., and Amy Wilson-Stronks, M.P.P., this 18-month project will increase national attention to cultural competence, highlight its intersection with patient-centered care, and improve the safety and quality of care for all patients. You can provide feedback on the value of the proposed requirements on the Joint Commission Web site at http://www.jointcommission.org/Standards/FieldReviews/field_ecccpc.htm.