Content created by Immediate Office of the Secretary (IOS)
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:
- 2024 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
- 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
2024 HHS Plain Writing Contacts
| Office | Name |
|---|---|
| HHS - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Dr. Ekaterini Malliou |
| ACF - Administration for Children and Families | Megan Steel |
| ACL - Administration for Community Living | Christine Phillips |
| AHRQ - Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality | Bruce Seeman |
| ASA - Assistant Secretary for Administration | Cheryl Bodden |
| ASFR- Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources | Christine Jones |
| ASL - Assistant Secretary for Legislation | Jonathan Osborne |
| ASPE - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation | Miranda Lynch-Smith |
| ASPR - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response | Adam DeVore |
| ASPA - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | Lindsey Ross |
| CDC - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention | Michelle Hutchinson |
| CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services | Mary Wallace |
| DAB - Departmental Appeals Board | Adam Gazaille |
| FDA - Food & Drug Administration | Nicole McCray-Dixon |
| HRSA - Health Resources and Services Administration | Christy Choi |
| IHS - Indian Health Service | Ann Church |
| NIH - National Institutes of Health | Christen Sandoval |
| OASH - Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health | Brian Rabin |
| OCR - Office for Civil Rights | Harold Henderson |
| OGA - Office of Global Affairs | Susan Kim |
| OGC - Office of the General Counsel | Daniel Barry |
| OIG - Office of the Inspector General | Ann C. Wieland |
| OMHA - Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals | Eileen McDaniel |
| ONC - Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology | Lisa Lewis |
| ONS - Office of National Security | Lisa Aguirre |
| SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | Charissa Pallas |
| WHL - White House Liaison | Caroline Dvorsky |