Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge Act of 2024

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6033, the Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge Act, or SPEAK Act, sponsored by Representatives Steel and Gomez and cosponsored by Representative Cardenas.

H.R. 6033 requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to improve access to healthcare for individuals with limited English proficiency. Specifically, the bill requires the HHS Secretary to consult with healthcare entities such as providers, health insurers, and consumer advocacy groups to identify best practices for improving access to telehealth services for patients with limited English proficiency.

The expansion of telehealth flexibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency and subsequently in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 has allowed millions of patients to receive access to necessary care. Since then, further expansion of telehealth services has helped provide critical services to hard-to-reach populations and helped beneficiaries in areas that are already underserved.

However, individuals and families with limited English proficiency can face significant barriers to accessing telehealth services and other healthcare information technology. H.R. 6033 will help identify and address barriers to accessing virtual health services for millions of patients with limited English proficiency.

This bill is supported by the National Immigration Law Center, the American Medical Association, America's Essential Hospitals, Justice in Aging, the National Health Law Program, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, among many others.
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Mr. PALLONE.

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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would urge support for this bipartisan bill because it is so important for improving access for telehealth services for persons with limited English proficiency, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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