West OC Times

Reps. Michelle Steel, Gus Bilirakis, and Susie Lee have introduced the Expanding Language Access in Telehealth Act, aiming to enhance language access for patients with Limited English Proficiency in telehealth services, particularly in behavioral health care. Rep. Steel emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, "Most of my constituents primarily speak a language other than English at home. For them, and for millions like them across the country, this legislation will be critical in providing a pathway towards increased access to behavioral health care at a time when there is a mental health crisis in this country."

Rep. Bilirakis highlighted the need for additional support for seniors to fully utilize telehealth, saying, "It is not enough to simply provide access to treatment, which is why our bill goes a step further and ensures that providers and patients receive the training and support they need to take full advantage of this essential tool." Rep. Lee echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of making telehealth more accessible for non-English speakers, stating, "We should be making it easier, not harder, for families to access this critical healthcare tool."

Daniel Garza, President of the LIBRE Initiative, emphasized the importance of expanding language access in telehealth, stating, "The Expanding Language Access in Telehealth Act helps continue removing barriers to quality and personalized care to improve outcomes for all Americans." Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, also praised the bill, noting that improving telehealth accessibility for individuals with limited English proficiency can lead to better health outcomes in communities.

The Expanding Language Access in Telehealth Act mirrors language previously included in the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs and Extenders Act, which passed the Senate Finance Committee unanimously. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is set to consider the legislation at a hearing on April 10, 2024. Rep. Steel had previously introduced the Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act to improve language access in telehealth more broadly.

The introduction of the Expanding Language Access in Telehealth Act reflects a bipartisan effort to address the language barriers faced by individuals with Limited English Proficiency, ensuring that telehealth services are more inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of language spoken.