2023 HHS Language Access Report OCR released a report summarizing the Department’s progress on improving the provision of meaningful access to language assistance services to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). The report also identifies steps to continue and strengthen this work across HHS moving forward.
Language Access Policy In accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’ 2023 Language Access Plan1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall provide access to timely, quality, language assistance services to individuals with limited English proficiency.2
Commonly Asked Questions and Answers Regarding Limited English Proficient (LEP) Individuals Q. Who is a Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual? Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English can be limited English proficient, or "LEP." These individuals may be entitled language assistance with ...
A new executive order (EO) sets English as the official language of the U.S. and revokes Executive Order 13166, signed by President Clinton in 2000. EO 13166 reiterated longstanding law and policies related to language access for individuals with limited English proficiency and ensured that federal agencies worked to eliminate discrimination against LEP individuals. While the new EO applies ...
A majority of individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the U.S. are foreign-born, creating a complex intersection of language, socio-economic, and policy barriers to healthcare access and achieving good outcomes. Mapping the research ...
In addition to updating language access plans across the Department, HHS is awarding $4 Million for a new language access initiative. Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing a number of steps to improve language access through HHS programs and advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of overcoming barriers to equity in health care and human services ...
And the need for language access will continue to grow as the population with limited English proficiency grows. Further strengthening and improving meaningful language access ensures we address linguistic barriers in governmental services that would otherwise deny individuals a full opportunity to participate in economic, social, and civic life.
The current administration has committed to addressing language disparities. In Executive Order 14091, on racial equity and underserved communities, President Biden called for the federal government to “improve language access services to ensure that all communities can engage with agencies’ respective civil rights offices.” The resulting HHS Equity Action Plan commits to “address ...
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Language Access Plan in Accordance with Executive Order 13166 - Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency
By Samoyita Sarkar Despite the implementation of Language Access Plans (LAPs) across federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other healthcare institutions, patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) continue to face significant barriers to care. This blog explores the challenges, policy gaps, and potential solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access for LEP populations. Impact ...
Executive Order 13166 requires Federal agencies to examine the services they provide, identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP).
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a briefing on Friday, March 21, 2025, to examine the extent to which language barriers impact access to government services and healthcare for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The investigation will explore how government agencies and recipients of federal funding provide language access, the challenges of language access, and ...
President Trump’s executive order proclaiming English the country's official language marks a major shift in federal language access policy—revoking longstanding mandates and leaving federal agencies with broad discretion in provision of information and services in other languages. The action raises questions about how federal, state, and local agencies administering federally funded ...
Language Assistance Services: Oral and written language services used to provide individuals with LEP meaningful access to, and an equal opportunity to participate fully in, the services, activities, and other programs administered by the Commission.
Improving Access to Medicaid for People with Limited English Proficiency Apr 26, 2024 This resource presents recommendations for both state Medicaid agencies and HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency to promote participation in and...
On November 15, 2023, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its updated Language Access Plan (Updated Plan) to further ensure that the limited English proficiency (LEP) community and individuals with disabilities can meaningfully access HHS-administered and -funded programs and activities. The Updated Plan establishes practical guidance, best practices and action steps ...
1. “Equal access” means to be informed of, participate in, and benefit from public services offered by a [department,] agency, or program, at a level equal to English proficient individuals. 2. “Limited English proficiency” means the inability to adequately understand or express oneself in the spoken or written English language. 3.
Language Rights Remain Protected by Law On March 1, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14224 declaring English to be the official language of the United States and revoking Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons With Limited English Proficiency, issued by President Clinton in 2000. Language rights are deeply rooted in long-standing federal and state mandates ...
