New Executive Order on English: What It Means for Language Access and Healthcare
A new executive order (EO) has made English the official language of the United States, while also revoking Executive Order 13166, which previously protected language access rights for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). This decision raises major concerns, particularly in healthcare, where language barriers can lead to serious risks, including misdiagnosis, medical errors, and worse health outcomes.
Does the Executive Order Remove Language Access Rights?
No—language access is still protected by law. While this executive order on English changes government policy, it does not override federal laws like:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin, including language barriers in federally funded programs1.
- Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which ensures LEP patients have access to interpreting services and translated materials in healthcare settings2.
Because these laws are statutes, an executive order cannot cancel them—only Congress has the power to change them3.
How Will This Executive Order Affect Healthcare for LEP Individuals?
While hospitals, clinics, and federally funded health programs are still legally required to provide language assistance services, the executive order could create confusion. Some key concerns include:
- LEP patients may hesitate to request interpreting services, fearing they are no longer available.
- Healthcare providers might misunderstand the order and reduce language support services.
- Government agencies are no longer required to translate documents but can continue doing so if they choose.
Why Language Access in Healthcare Matters
Research has proven that language barriers in healthcare lead to worse health outcomes for LEP patients. Studies show that professional medical interpreters improve patient care, reducing errors, hospital readmissions, and mortality rates4. In other words, professional language services are essential for safe and effective healthcare.
What Can Be Done?
- Healthcare organizations should continue to follow federal law and provide interpreting and translation services.
- LEP individuals should be aware that their language rights are still protected under Title VI and Section 1557.
- Advocacy efforts are needed to ensure that language access in healthcare remains a priority.
Final Thoughts: Language Access is Still the Law
Although the executive order on English changes government policies, it does not override federal laws that require language access in healthcare.
✔ Title VI and Section 1557 remain in effect and cannot be overturned by an executive order12.
✔ HHS regulations, including those for Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA marketplace plans, still require language assistance3.
✔ Hospitals and healthcare providers must continue interpreting services for LEP patients.
This executive order may cause uncertainty, but language access remains a legal right—and ensuring effective communication in healthcare is critical for public health and safety.
HHS - Limited English Proficiency: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/limited-english-proficiency/index.html ↩ ↩2
ACA Section 1557 Protections: https://www.healthcare.gov/section-1557-protections ↩ ↩2
What Executive Orders Can and Cannot Do: https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/what-is-an-executive-order-and-how-does-it-work ↩ ↩2
Study on Medical Interpreters and Health Outcomes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17362215/ ↩
