An executive order declaring English the official language of the United States has raised questions within the healthcare industry. Medical providers, administrators, and language access professionals are evaluating whether this order has implications on compliance with language access requirements and how it could impact patients who rely on these services.

While this order formalizes English as the nation’s official language, it does not override existing laws and guidelines that mandate language access. Healthcare providers remain legally obligated to deliver language services to ensure equitable care for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients and patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

What the Executive Order Does (and Doesn’t) Do

This executive order establishes English as the official language and revokes Executive Order 13166, which reaffirmed guidelines for serving LEP individuals, but it doesn’t change the federal laws that protect language access in healthcare. Existing laws that protect language access and prohibit discrimination based on national origin remain fully intact, including:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) - Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance, which courts have interpreted to include language barriers. 
• Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) - Mandates meaningful access to healthcare services for LEP individuals and prohibits discrimination across health programs receiving federal funds or administered by federal agencies. 
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Protects individuals with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments who require auxiliary aids like sign language interpreters. 

These laws secure language access obligations, regardless of the new executive order.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) have been instructed to withdraw the guidance issued under Executive Order 13166 for review, with no specific timeline for its reinstatement. In the interim, healthcare organizations can turn to our Section 1557 Workshop for resources on language access. View the recordings and slide decks:

• Webinar: Section 1557 Readiness Workshop – Session 1 of 3 (November 2024 Requirements)
  • Access slide deck: Section 1557 Readiness Workshop Session 1

• Webinar: Section 1557 Readiness Workshop 2 of 3 - January and May 2025 Requirements
  • Access slide deck: Section 1557 Readiness Workshop Session 2
• Webinar: Section 1557 Readiness Workshop 3 of 3 - May and July 2025 Requirements
  • Access slide deck: Section 1557 Readiness Workshop Session 3

What This Means for Healthcare Providers

Compliance Requirements Remain Unchanged

Whether you manage a small clinic or oversee a large health system, one thing is certain: the legal framework for language access in healthcare remains intact. Providers must continue to align with Title VI, the ACA, and the ADA to avoid the risks of noncompliance.

Patient Safety Relies on Language Access

Language barriers can lead to misdiagnoses, medication errors, and poor health outcomes. For LEP patients, access to interpretation services is a matter of patient safety and access to care. Clear communication helps patients understand their care plans, adhere to treatments, and feel supported throughout their healthcare journeys.

Our Commitment to Language Access

Language access is a fundamental aspect of effective patient care. It fosters trust, improves clinical outcomes, and empowers patients to actively participate in their health decisions. We're proud to offer expert language solutions designed exclusively for the healthcare industry.

Immediate Interpretation in Over 200 Languages: From video and phone interpreting to on-site services, we help bridge communication gaps.

Cultural Understanding and Expertise: Our interpreters are linguistically proficient and trained in medical terminology and cultural competency.

Seamless Integration Across Platforms: Our technology integrates smoothly with systems like Epic and Cerner, making access to language services faster and easier than ever.

Language Access is a Top Priority

Removing language barriers increases access to care, improves patient outcomes, and reduces liability risk. Clear communication allows for a better understanding of symptoms, medical history, and treatment plans. Our Language Services solutions comply with complex healthcare standards required by the Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, DNV Healthcare Standards for Hospital Accreditation, Office of Civil Rights, The Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Affordable Care Act. These efforts result in reduced length of stay, lower readmission rates, improved patient satisfaction, and increased quality through understanding the benefits of preventive screenings, better adherence to follow-up care, and fewer missed appointments.

The new executive order may have introduced uncertainty, but healthcare providers can rest assured that AMN Language Services offers the support and solutions needed to meet language access requirements. Together, we can create a future where quality healthcare is accessible to everyone.