New Executive Order on Official Languages: What It Means for Language Access

This article is part of the Equiti blog, where we explore the latest in healthcare technology, language access, and equitable care solutions. Learn more about Equiti.

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A new Executive Order designates English as the official language of the United States, reversing a decades-old policy aimed at improving access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).  

Here’s what healthcare leaders need to know: federal language access protections remain in place, and the need for effective communication in patient care has not changed.

While the order signals a shift in federal language policy, it does not eliminate existing language access protections under federal law. For healthcare organizations navigating this change, understanding the nuances of the order — and what remains unchanged — is critical.

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What the Executive Order Changes – And What It Doesn’t

The March 1 order¹ declares English as the country’s official language and revokes Executive Order 13166, signed by President Clinton in 2000², which required federal agencies to provide language assistance to LEP individuals. However, it does not mandate the elimination of language services, nor does it override existing federal laws requiring language access in key sectors, including healthcare.

Agency heads now have greater discretion in determining how they implement language access policies, but they are not required to stop providing multilingual services. The executive order itself states that agencies: “are not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.”

For an existing statute to be overturned, Congress would have to pass new legislation. Executive orders do not overturn existing statutes.  

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Language Access Is Still the Law

Despite this policy shift, federal law still protects language access.

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on national origin, which the Supreme Court, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies have long interpreted to include language. Any organization receiving federal funding – such as Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements – must still provide meaningful language access to individuals with LEP.

• Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act reinforces these protections in healthcare, ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and insurance providers offer language assistance.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act continue to require accommodations, including access to American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Simply put, the executive order does not undo legal obligations tied to federal funding. Healthcare providers, government contractors, and public institutions must still comply with language access requirements.

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What This Means for Healthcare Organizations

While the executive order may create uncertainty, healthcare organizations should take a measured approach:

• Review existing compliance obligations – Ensure that current language access policies align with Title VI, Section 1557, the ADA, and other applicable laws.

• Monitor agency guidance – Federal agencies may issue new interpretations of language access requirements, but core legal protections remain intact.

• Continue best practices – Providing multilingual services improves patient outcomes, reduces liability risks, and strengthens community trust.

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The Bottom Line

This executive order shifts the federal government’s stance on official language policy, but it does not eliminate the right to language access. For healthcare organizations and providers, the safest course of action is to stay compliant with existing laws and maintain best practices in serving diverse populations.

Language remains a bridge — not a barrier — to effective communication, and ensuring accessibility will continue to be a priority across industries.

Equiti is here to help healthcare organizations stay ahead of these changes, ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve — without language barriers standing in the way.

“Misunderstandings can lead to tragic consequences in emergency situations, health care systems, and the justice system. Indeed, communicating with and understanding people with LEP is critical to enforcing the law, protecting the environment, providing housing or food assistance, promoting student achievement, ensuring public health and upholding economic prosperity and justice. When government agencies provide, for example, translations of vital documents or offer an interpreter during important conversations or hearings, we enhance the effectiveness of federal and federally funded programs and services, ensuring they reach and benefit all intended communities.” – U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs

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Resources

• Despite new Executive Order, Language Access Is Still the Law! - National Health Law Program

• Justice Department Recognizes Anniversary of Executive Order 13166 - U.S. Department of Justice

• Limited English Proficiency (LEP) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Language Access 101: What You Need to Know About Executive Order 13166 - LEP.gov

• Limited English Proficiency Plan - U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

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References

‍^{[1] http://whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/}

^{[2] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/08/16/00-20938/improving-access-to-services-for-persons-with-limited-english-proficiency}