"Hospitals, Language and Culture: A Snapshot of the Nation," Joint Commission: The report -- from the Joint Commission, formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations -- examined the experiences of 60 hospitals nationwide in providing care to diverse patient populations, including minorities and others who do not speak English. According to the report, hospitals' efforts to provide culturally competent care vary. Some hospitals lack resources or processes that would ensure culturally competent care, while others have such resources and processes but are not using them. The report makes several recommendations for health care organizations, hospitals and patient advocates (Joint Commission release, 3/29).