OCR issues FAQs, resource on new language access requirements

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights recently issued Frequently Asked Questions on language access requirements under its final rule implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in health programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Beginning on Oct. 17, the final rule requires covered entities to post notices of nondiscrimination and taglines that alert individuals with limited English proficiency to the availability of language assistance services. As a resource for covered entities, OCR also has posted a table displaying the top 15 languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in each U.S. state and territory, based on its research.