SDOH and Immigration Status: Offering Advocacy and Adhering to Ethical Practice Across the Care Continuum

Social determinants of health (SDOH), the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence people's health outcomes, are widely recognized across health and human services. In addition, there are other factors that can exacerbate SDOH; among them is immigration status. Its influence is so profound that it has been suggested that immigration be considered an SDOH in and of itself (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Across the continuum, case managers need to be aware of the immigration status of their clients (the individuals for whom they advocate and provide services). This is particularly important when addressing the care needs and discharge plans for clients in acute care, community-based health, and workers' compensation. With workers' compensation, when an individual is undocumented and severely injured, immigration status directly impacts the services they may receive under state mandates. Moreover, such limitations can present ethical dilemmas for case managers, including what happens to workers if they are returned to their home countries.

SDOH and immigration status can impact individuals in acute care, subacute care, community-based care, and workers' compensation.

SDOH and immigration status highlight the disparities that exist within health and human services. Although equity is a core value of case management practice, the case manager's ability to provide equal access to care and resources can be severely limited because of the individual's immigration status. At all times, case managers must practice within their licensure and certifications. By recognizing that immigration status should be an SDOH, case management professionals and health and human services organizations can elevate the discussion of how to care for individuals with catastrophic injuries and illnesses who are undocumented.