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Language Access at CalHHS
CalHHS Language Access Policy
In May of 2023, CalHHS adopted its first comprehensive agency-wide Language Access Policy. The Policy’s goal is to ensure that CalHHS and its Departments and Offices provide meaningful access to information, programs, benefits, and services to people with limited English proficiency (LEP) and to ensure that language is not a barrier to accessing vital health and social services.
The Language Access Policy requires all CalHHS Departments and Offices to provide free oral and sign language interpretation upon request at all points of public contact. It also requires translation of vital documents and essential website content into at least the top five languages spoken by persons with limited English proficiency in California.
Language Access Plans
In addition, all CalHHS Departments and Offices are required to develop and post Language Access Plans to their public websites. Plans will be reviewed and updated at least every two years. Links to each Department or Office’s Language Access Plan can be found here:
- CalHHS Offices Language Access Plan
- California Department of Aging Language Access Plan
- California Department of Public Health Language Access Plan
- Department of Community Services and Development Language Access Plan
- Department of Child Support Services Language Access Plan
- Department of Developmental Services Language Access Plan
- Department of Health Care Services Language Access Plan
- Department of Managed Health Care Language Access Plan
- Department of Rehabilitation Language Access Plan
- Department of State Hospitals Language Access Plan
- Department of Social Services Language Access Plan
- Department of Health Care Access and Information Language Access Plan
- Emergency Medical Services Authority Language Access Plan
GenAI Language Access Pilot
In alignment with CalHHS’s commitment to language access, and as part of statewide efforts pursuant to the Governor’s GenAI Executive Order – CDT (ca.gov), CalHHS is partnering with vendors on a pilot to demonstrate the potential for responsible integration of GenAI tools into CalHHS’ translation and adaption workflows. The goal of the pilot is to increase the speed, efficiency, and consistency of translations, and generate improvements in language access for Californians with LEP. Consistent with federal regulations and guidance, the pilot will test solutions that facilitate review and post-editing of translated content by state language access staff and external linguists, in order to ensure accuracy and cultural appropriateness.