Leading The Way: Using legislative and administrative advocacy to advance language access in California

California is a “minority majority” state, with 56% of the population comprised of communities of color. Almost 40% of Californians speak a language other than English at home. Culturally and linguistically appropriate care is increasingly important to serve the needs of our diverse population.

To help meet the need for cultural and linguistic services, the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN) in 2003 co-sponsored SB853, the Health Care Language Assistance Act. Requiring the California Department for Managed Health Care (DMHC) to develop standards for interpreter services, translation of materials, and the collection of race/ethnicity and language data, this bill was the first of its kind in the nation to hold health plans accountable for the provision of linguistically-appropriate services. The advocacy efforts of CPEHN and its partners drove the passage and implementation of SB853, with hurdles ranging from health plan opposition to administrative turnover due to the 2003 gubernatorial recall.

The success of this effort stemmed from dual administrative and legislative advocacy strategies, including testifying at hearings, meeting with administration officials, using media, and mobilizing the community. This comprehensive approach allowed advocates to influence policymakers, energize our constituency base to take action, and build important relationships within DMHC and the legislature, all of which were essential to the development, passage, and implementation of the legislation. Our administrative advocacy efforts continue as we work with DMHC to ensure that the regulations are implemented and monitored, and that health plans are held accountable.