Executive Order 14224 directly impacts health equity by creating barriers to care for individuals with limited English proficiency by reducing federal agencies active commitment to increasing language access. This action disrupts long-standing federal commitments to language access, potentially worsening health disparities across vulnerable populations. Indirectly, it can foster fear, confusion, and exclusion, especially among immigrant communities, and may contribute to the erosion of cultural identity and inter-generational language loss, as families feel pressured to prioritize English.
Executive Office of the President - White House Office
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.
Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.
Date Enacted
March 1, 2025
Last Updated
June 23, 2025
Policy Type
Public Health
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Justice System
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Summary
Executive Order 14224 designates English as the official language of the United States. The order revokes EO 13166 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/08/16/00-20938/improving-access-to-services-for-persons-with-limited-english-proficiency), which required federal agencies to develop and implement plans to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency can access federal programs and services by issuing language access guidance for entities that receive federal funding. It does not require or direct any changes in services provided by any federal agency, and agencies are “not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.” It does not prohibit agencies from continuing to offer services in languages other than English.
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
Take Institutional Action
Apply the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) (https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas) in Health and Health Care. These standards, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, serve as best practice framework to advance health equity, improve quality of care, and eliminate health care disparities by ensuring services are respectful of and responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and preferred languages.
Institutions should continue to implement or strengthen internal policies that require the continued provision of critical health documents, communications, and render services in patients’ preferred languages. This includes, but is not limited to, consent forms, discharge instructions, medication labels, and educational materials. This will ensure full comprehension, ensure patient safety, improve outcomes, and build trust.
Consider continuing to build language access capacity by hiring trained and certified interpreters and translators, offering basic ESL courses to staff and their families, and hosting or supporting community organizations that provide free or low-cost English language classes.
Associated or Derivative Policies
Additional Resources
National CLAS Standards: https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas
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