There is fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities across Minnesota. As family physicians, we play a vital role in providing reassurance, maintaining patient safety and connecting patients to trusted resources.
Here’s how you can support your patients:
- Reassure them: Care is available to all patients, regardless of immigration status.
- Maintain privacy: Follow HIPAA rules carefully; only share information with authorities when legally required.
- Share resources: Provide patients with materials to understand their rights and access support.
- Check in proactively: Ask patients if they need guidance or resources to access care safely.
Helpful resources:
- Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement: Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients’ Rights (National Immigration Law Center)
- Know Your Rights Red Cards (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)
- Know Your Rights Resources (Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota)
- Immigrants’ Rights (ACLU of Minnesota)
- Minnesota’s Refugee and International Health Program (Minnesota Department of Health)
Thank you for continuing to provide compassionate, equitable care to all patients.
Have questions or need additional support? Reach out at office@mafp.ascreative.agency.
