If your practice accepts Medicaid or Medicare, there are new requirements to consider. As of October 16, 2016, “under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), covered entities are required to post notices of nondiscrimination and taglines that alert individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) to the availability of language assistance services” (PBHS).

To make sure your practice complies with these new guidelines, the ADA requires that all dental practices accepting Medicaid or Medicare post the taglines mentioned above in their office, on their website and in publications or communications that are directed towards patients or the public. These taglines are short statements to educate the public of the fact your practice will provide language assistance. This should offer a description of how the language assistance can be obtained.

If you are an ADA member, the ADA has developed resources to aid you in making sure your practice is compliant with this new guideline. These resources include a FAQ and compliance checklist.

If you need help updating your office signage, website copy or verbiage in your publications in order to adhere to Section 1557, we can help! Contact us today.