Bill > H1948

This bill directs the Department of Public Health to develop and implement a statewide program focused on health literacy, which is defined as the ability of individuals to access, understand, and use health information to make appropriate health decisions. The program would aim to improve health literacy in healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and health centers, potentially by learning from existing initiatives like one in western Massachusetts. The bill also encourages organizations like the MA Community Health Workers to incorporate health literacy training into their services, recognizing that medically underserved patients may face particular challenges in communicating with healthcare providers. The bill emphasizes the importance of plain language, which involves clear organization, simple terms, and active voice, and cultural competency, which means organizations can effectively work with diverse populations to reduce health disparities and improve access to quality care.