HHS’s Language Access Plan is a critical step toward making health care and human services accessible to all; It represents a commitment to equal opportunity and improved health care for all Americans.
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) took the next step in working to ensure greater access to the life-saving services it provides for people with limited English proficiency (LEP) and people with disabilities. In launching the HHS Language Access Plan, HHS joins agencies across the federal government in prioritizing connectivity in services provided to the public. Today’s action supports President Biden’s executive orders to advance racial equity and support underserved communities, which aim to improve access to benefits and services across the administration, including for people with LEP.
“It’s 2023, and the fact that children are still having the same experience I had translating complex medical information for my parents is unacceptable. Children, family members, and others should not be held responsible for translating complex, emotional information so their loved ones can access Necessary care.” “Language should never be a barrier to accessing health care and human services. With our updated plan, we are exemplifying our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion across the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The ability to communicate is critical to accessing health and human services and goes beyond the language you speak. Today’s new and enhanced language access plan underscores our commitment to breaking down barriers across the Department of Health and Human Services, advancing the inclusivity of communications and making Services are accessible to all, and uphold the principles of fairness and justice.” “We stand by our commitment to enforcing the civil rights of every individual in this country, regardless of their language or disability.”
The Department of Health and Human Services’ plan goes beyond simply addressing language access for individuals with limited English proficiency, by recognizing the effective communication and accessibility requirements of Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to increase the inclusivity of communication for individuals with disabilities. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive financial assistance from HHS, while Section 508 requires federal agencies to ensure that their information and communications technology, including websites, electronic documents, and software applications, is accessible. For individuals with disabilities.
The updated Language Access Plan provides practical guidance, best practices, and action steps so that HHS operating departments and staff can develop agency-specific language access plans. The plan also calls for agencies to collect data on language access services in order to increase access to their programs, activities, and services for people with limited English proficiency.
The HHS Language Access Plan is the product of the Department-wide Language Access Steering Committee, administered by the HHS Office for Civil Rights. Every part of the Department of Health and Human Services is invited to participate in the Steering Committee. The Department of Health and Human Services relaunched the Language Access Steering Committee last year to promote language access across the department. This plan applies to all components in the department:
- Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
- Department of Community Living (ACL)
- Aging Management (AoA)
- Administration of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Managing Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- Indian Health Service (IHS)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Assistant Secretary for Administrative Affairs (ASA)
- Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR)
- Assistant Secretary for Legislation (ASL)
- Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)
- Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
- Departmental Appeals Board (DAB)
- HHS Chief Information Officer
- Intergovernmental External Affairs (IEA)
- Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH)
- Office of General Counsel (OGC)
- Office of Global Affairs (OGA)
- Office of Inspector General (OIG)
- Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA)
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC).
The updated Language Access Plan and more resources can be found here: hhs.gov/lep.
The updated language access plan will be available in different languages. These translations are forthcoming, and once available can be found here: hhs.gov/lep.
If you believe that you or another party has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, visit the OCR Complaint Portal to file a complaint online at: https://www.hhs. gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html.
The Biden-Harris administration has taken a significant step towards breaking down language barriers and enhancing language access with the announcement of a new plan. Recognizing the importance of effective communication for all individuals, regardless of language proficiency, the administration’s plan aims to address the challenges faced by non-English speakers in accessing essential services and information. This initiative represents a commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable communication practices, ultimately improving the lives of diverse communities across the nation.