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:
- 2023 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2022 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2021 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2020 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2019 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2018 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2017 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2016 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2015 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2014 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 2013 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 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
2023 HHS Plain Writing Contacts
Office | Name |
---|---|
HHS - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
|
ACF - Administration for Children and Families |
|
ACL - Administration for Community Living |
|
AHRQ - Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality |
|
ASA - Assistant Secretary for Administration |
|
ASFR- Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources |
|
ASL - Assistant Secretary for Legislation |
|
ASPE - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation |
|
ASPR - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response |
|
ASPA - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs |
|
CDC - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention |
|
CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services |
|
DAB - Departmental Appeals Board |
|
FDA - Food & Drug Administration |
|
HRSA - Health Resources and Services Administration |
|
IHS - Indian Health Service |
|
NIH - National Institutes of Health |
|
OASH - Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health |
|
OCR - Office for Civil Rights |
|
OGA - Office of Global Affairs |
|
OGC - Office of the General Counsel |
|
OIG - Office of the Inspector General |
|
OMHA - Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals |
|
ONC - Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology |
|
ONS - Office of National Security |
|
SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration |
|
WHL - White House Liaison |