Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Our mission at the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is to ensure that people have equal access and opportunity to participate in HHS-funded programs. We focus on reducing barriers for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). We also help covered entities understand and comply with their language assistance obligations.

On this page:

• Your Right to Language Assistance Services
• LEP Resources

Your Right to Language Assistance Services

If English is not your primary language and you have difficulty communicating in English, you may need an interpreter or document translation when accessing programs funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Examples of these services are when you:

• Pick up a prescription at the pharmacy
• Visit a family member in a nursing home
• Go to the emergency room
• Apply for a health insurance plan
• Visit a doctor or dentist

These types of services likely receive federal financial assistance from HHS or are covered by civil rights authorities enforced by OCR. There are two federal laws that require these programs to provide language access services (LAS) free of charge:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and implementing regulations
• Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557) and implementing regulations