Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Resources for Effective Communication

This page has federal information and other resources related to language assistance for individuals with limited English proficiency.

HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Resources

• Watch a video about the importance of language services: Breaking Down the Language Barrier: Translating English Proficiency Policy into Practice Video (CC)
• Learn how to comply with civil rights laws as a Medicare provider: Civil Rights Clearance for Medicare Provider Certification
• Know your right to language assistance services: Guidance and Information for Individuals and Providers of Health and Social Services Serving LEP Persons
• Understand how HIPAA applies to interpreters: Disclosure of Protected Health Information to an Interpreter

HHS Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) Resources

• Learn about the responsibilities agencies and providers: CMS Policy Guidance on Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination as it Affects Persons wIth Limited English Proficiency
• Read about CHIPRA provisions: Medicaid and CHIP Guidance on Increase Federal Matching Funds for Translation and Interpretation Services

HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) Resources

• Get help communicating with patients who have a range of communication needs: Guide to Providing Effective Communication and Language Assistance Services
• Review the 15 action steps to improve quality of care and promote health: National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)
• Take a free online training for disaster and emergency management personnel: Cultural Competency Program for Disaster and Emergency Management

Federal Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Resources

• LEP.gov – A clearinghouse with information, tools, and technical assistance on Limited English Proficiency and language services.
• I Speak Card – A tool used to identify an individual’s language.

Other LEP Resources

External links to other sites are intended to be informational only and do not have the endorsement of HHS and OCR.

• Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, & Patient-and Family-Centered Care – A roadmap for hospitals to ensure effective communication and patient- and family-centered care. (The Joint Commission)
• American Hospital Association Disparities Toolkit – A web-based tool to collect race, ethnicity, and primary language data from patients. (American Hospital Association)
• Language Services Resource Guide for Health Care Providers – A publication for providing language services, developing language access plan, identifying language services, training programs, and assessment tools. (The National Health Law Program)
• National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities – An online library of resources on disaster preparedness for culturally diverse communities. (Drexel University School of Public Health)