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 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
Office |
Name |
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ACF-Administration for Children & Families |
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ACL-Administration for Community Living |
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AHRQ-Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality |
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ASFR-Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources |
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ASPA-Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs |
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ASPE-Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation |
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ASPR-Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response |
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CDC-Centers for Disease Control & Prevention |
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CMS-Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services |
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CTO-Office of the Chief Technology Officer |
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DAB-Departmental Appeals Board |
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FDA-Food & Drug Administration |
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HRSA-Health Resources and Services Administration |
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IEA-Intergovernmental and External Affairs |
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NIH-National Institutes of Health |
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OASH-Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health |
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OCR-Office for Civil Rights |
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OGA-Office of Global Affairs |
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OIG-Office of the Inspector General |
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OMHA-Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals |
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ONC-Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology |
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SAMHSA-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration |