The SPEAK Act (Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge Act) requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create guidance for improving healthcare access for people with limited English proficiency. Within one year of enactment, the department must consult with healthcare providers, insurers, technology companies, language service providers, and patient advocates to develop best practices on several fronts: using interpreters effectively during telehealth appointments, making patient portals and tech systems easier for non-English speakers to navigate, providing patient materials in multiple languages, and enabling video-based interpretation during medical visits. The bill does not specify direct funding but targets a practical problem—ensuring that non-English speaking patients can access remote healthcare services and understand their medical information. This legislation affects millions of Americans with limited English proficiency, healthcare providers offering telehealth services, and companies that develop medical software and interpretation services.
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