In a recent conversation with Bill Rivers, our Founder/ CEO David Brackett discussed the implications of the revocation of Executive Order 13166 and what it means for language access, particularly in healthcare. While there is some uncertainty surrounding this change, it’s critical to understand the facts and focus on the opportunities this moment presents for our industry.
Understanding the Revocation
As Bill explained in our discussion, this executive order was originally signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000 to reinforce the requirement for federally funded organizations to provide meaningful language access to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Now that it has been rescinded, some organizations might wrongly assume that they no longer have to provide these services. However, as Bill emphasized,
“Title VI is still law. Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act is still law. All those factors are still there. Language access is still required.”
While this order’s removal has raised alarms, it is essential to clarify what this change of designating English as the official language of the United States actually means, and how healthcare providers and language service professionals should respond. The core protections for language access remain in place under federal law, and healthcare providers must continue offering language services to ensure compliance and equitable care.
Potential Consequences and Industry Concerns
Despite the legal framework still in place, there is growing concern about the potential confusion among healthcare providers and organizations that may mistakenly believe language access is no longer required. This misinterpretation could lead to reduced investment in language services, ultimately impacting patient care.
Bill pointed out, “Some covered entities that want to skate on this, that don’t want to spend or invest in it, may say, ‘Okay, well we don’t have to do it anymore.’” However, as he also noted, any risk compliance officer will remind them that the law hasn’t changed, and failing to provide language services still carries legal and financial risks.
Why Language Access Remains Essential
Language access is not merely a legal requirement—it is also a sound business and healthcare decision. Over 26 million individuals in the U.S. are classified as LEP, and the demand for qualified interpreters continues to grow. Studies show that effective language services lead to:
- Lower readmission rates for LEP patients
- Increased patient compliance with treatment plans
- Fewer malpractice claims related to miscommunication
- Improved overall healthcare outcomes
As Bill highlighted,
“There’s been 35 years of high-quality, peer-reviewed academic medical research that shows that the provision of quality language access reduces readmission rates, improves patient adherence, and lowers malpractice claims.”
David Brackett emphasized the significance of this moment, stating,
“This is a wake-up call… an opportunity for us as an industry to stop and ask: What is the value of language access? Why should healthcare organizations provide it? And why it is not only the right thing to do but a good business decision?”
Healthcare organizations that proactively invest in high-quality language services not only meet compliance standards but also enhance patient care and reduce long-term costs. This is an opportunity for our industry to shift the conversation from “Do we have to provide language access?” to “Why is this a good investment?”
Taking Action: How to Stay Informed and Advocate for Language Access
In our conversation, Bill and I talked about what language service providers, healthcare professionals, and interpreters can do to stay engaged and ensure continued advocacy for language access:
- Join professional organizations – Bill strongly recommends organizations like the Association of Language Companies (ALC), National Health Law Program, and National Immigration Law Center. “If you’re in the language industry, you’ve got to be part of ALC. We are on the front lines on this.”
- Educate stakeholders – Healthcare providers and compliance officers need to understand that Title VI and ACA Section 1557 still require language services.
- Monitor industry developments – Bill shared that the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding a hearing on March 21st about language access, where he’ll be testifying. “We’ll share that with ALC so they can watch the live stream.”
- Advocate for LEP communities – Ensuring patients understand their rights to language services can help prevent healthcare disparities. Bill pointed out that many organizations are stepping up, saying, “There were 70 different organizations at the Language Access Consortium meeting, all focused on how to respond to this.”
Final Thoughts
While the revocation of Executive Order 13166 has caused concern, the fundamental legal protections for language access remain unchanged. This moment presents an opportunity for the language services industry to reinforce the value of professional interpreting and translation, not just as a compliance measure, but as a crucial element of equitable and effective healthcare.
As Bill wisely put it,
“This should not change whether language services are required or not. The real conversation should be about why language access matters—because it’s not just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business decision.”
By staying engaged, educating stakeholders, and advocating for meaningful language access, we can ensure that LEP individuals continue to receive the quality care they deserve. The language services industry must remain united in its mission to support both providers and patients, proving that language access is more than a checkbox—it’s a necessity.
About Linguava
Linguava Interpreters has been a driving force in the medical language services industry. As a full-service language company, we offer video and telephonic interpretation, along with document translation, available around the clock. Our team comprises a diverse array of professionals committed to delivering comprehensive, responsive, and top-quality language access for patients, providers, families, and health insurance companies. We also provide client training and ongoing support, solidifying our commitment to raising the bar for language access standards. We are passionate about helping patients find their seat at the table to fully participate in their healthcare regardless of what language they speak or sign.
Have questions? Connect with us today.
