Plain Writing and Clear Communications
Our promise to you: Writing you can understand
We at HHS are committed to writing all of our documents, digital content, and communications in plain language to ensure you can easily understand:
- Our benefits and services and how to get them
- How to file taxes when you receive our benefits or services
- How to comply with a requirement we administer or enforce
You can learn more about plain language in the government, and view “before and after” examples, at www.plainlanguage.gov.
Why we make this promise
Clear writing is essential to ensuring that all Americans understand what is happening within the government and is able to participate.
Additionally, the Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all federal agencies to write "clear government communication that the public can understand and use.”
Our agencies already use plain language
Our operating agencies already use plain language and train employees in the importance of clear communication. We continue to work to ensure communications are simple, direct, and understood by the people they serve.
The Department’s Plain Writing Act Compliance reports provide an overview of our implementation efforts to date:
- April 2019 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- April 2018 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- April 2017 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- April 2016 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- May 2015 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- June 2014 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- April 2013 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- April 2012 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
You can also review the Department’s Plain Writing Implementation Plan here.
Let us know how we’re doing
You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs.gov
2019 HHS Plain Writing Contacts
| Office | Name |
|---|---|
| HHS - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Dr. Ekaterini Malliou |
| ACF - Administration for Children & Families | Karen Fears |
| ACL - Administration for Community Living | Christine Phillips |
| AHRQ - Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality | Karen Fleming-Michael |
| ASA - Assistant Secretary for Administration | Jonathan Gardner |
| ASFR - Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources | Rasheed Williams |
| ASPA - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | Mark Weber |
| ASPE - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation | Cheryl Bodden |
| ASPR - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response | Nikki Bratcher - Bowman |
| CDC - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention | Dogan Eroglu |
| CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services | Mary Wallace |
| CTO - Office of the Chief Technology Officer | Elizabeth Squire |
| DAB - Departmental Appeals Board | Christopher Villator |
| FDA - Food & Drug Administration | LaKeisha McClendon |
| HRSA - Health Resources and Services Administration | Christy Choi |
| IEA - Intergovernmental and External Affairs | Karen Ashton |
| HIS - Indian Health Service | Lester O’Riley |
| NIH - National Institutes of Health | Christen Sandoval |
| OASH - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health | Linda Harris |
| OCR - Office for Civil Rights | Steven Novy |
| OGA - Office of Global Affairs | Kyle Zebley |
| OIG - Office of the Inspector General | Ann C. Wieland |
| OMHA - Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals | Randy Vanderpool |
| ONC - Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology | Lisa Lewis |
| SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | Daryl Kade |
