West OC Times

On September 18, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) aimed at improving health care access for patients with limited English proficiency. The Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to eliminate language barriers in telehealth services, which are often more affordable and accessible than traditional health care delivery.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) is the original cosponsor of this bipartisan measure.

Steel’s 45th Congressional District includes 175,000 individuals with limited English proficiency who face significant barriers to utilizing telehealth services due to communication difficulties. Nationwide, over 25 million Americans have limited English proficiency (LEP).

“Telehealth services are transforming health care by increasing access, reducing costs, and improving outcomes. As we continue to improve access to care via new technologies, I’m focused on ensuring no American’s health care needs are left behind in the digital age," said Rep. Michelle Steel, who introduced the SPEAK Act in 2023 with 29 bipartisan cosponsors. “I’m thrilled to see the House pass the SPEAK Act to ensure affordable health care services are available to all Americans, regardless of language.”

“In my district alone, 71% of people speak a language other than English at home—it's past time we ensure no one’s healthcare is limited to their ability to speak English. The SPEAK Act will expand our healthcare system’s tools to communicate with all people, lessen miscommunication between doctors and patients, and help communities everywhere get the care they need,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Rep. Steel for such an important healthcare access issue, and I hope our Senate colleagues take up the SPEAK Act quickly.”

The legislation has garnered support from various healthcare organizations as well as the National Immigration Law Center.

“Today’s key vote in the House of Representatives marks a momentous occasion nearly a year in the making. The LIBRE Initiative is thrilled at the passage of H.R. 6033 which takes a crucial step in improving outcomes for over 25 million Americans that have limited English proficiency and are often locked out of our telehealth and healthcare system,” said Daniel Garza, President of the LIBRE Initiative.

“Telehealth is a lifeline for so many families to access care but too often this crucial service is placed out of reach for people with limited English proficiency," said Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center.

“At HIMSS, our vision is to realize the full health potential of every person everywhere," said Hal Wolf, HIMSS President & CEO.

The legislation will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Background

Over 25 million people in the United States have limited English proficiency (LEP). While there has been an increase in telehealth usage nationwide, individuals with LEP face significant barriers accessing these virtual health services leading to poorer health outcomes and higher system costs.

In February 2021, a doctor attempted a telehealth appointment with an LEP family but could not obtain an interpreter for their dialect resulting in a misdiagnosis that led to severe complications five days later when emergency intervention was required.

Adults with LEP have lower odds of having telemedicine visits compared to those proficient in English. Telehealth services are less utilized by Spanish-speaking patients leading to lower satisfaction rates among them according to studies.