The Notice of Availability, explained simply
If you are a Section 1557 covered entity, you must post a Notice of Availability of Language Assistance Services — in English and your state's top 15 languages. Here is what it must say, where it goes, and how to generate one in minutes.
What is a Notice of Availability of Language Assistance Services?
A Notice of Availability is a written notice that covered entities must provide under Section 1557 (45 CFR 92.11). It tells the public that the entity offers language assistance services free of charge, and auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities, plus how to get them. It must appear in English and in at least the 15 languages most commonly spoken by people with limited English proficiency in the relevant state. HHS OCR publishes the official per-state language lists and translated sample taglines.
Key Facts
- Required of Section 1557 covered entities under 45 CFR 92.11
- States that language assistance is free and how to obtain it
- Also covers auxiliary aids and services for people with disabilities
- Posted in English plus the state's top 15 LEP languages
- Shown on-site, on the website, and in significant publications
- Official lists and taglines come from HHS OCR
How to create and post your Notice of Availability
- 1
Confirm you are a covered entity
Section 1557 applies to health programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, programs administered by HHS, and the Health Insurance Marketplaces. If that describes you, the Notice of Availability requirement under 45 CFR 92.11 generally applies.
- Includes many hospitals, clinics, and providers
- Applies to health insurers and plans receiving federal funds
- When in doubt, confirm your status with counsel
- 2
Get your state's top 15 languages and taglines
HHS OCR publishes, per state, the 15 languages most commonly spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency, along with sample translated taglines. Pull the list for each state where you interact with the public — your notice must cover English plus those 15 languages.
- Lists differ from state to state
- Use the official HHS OCR translations as your source of truth
- Cover every state where you serve the public
- 3
Write the notice and taglines
State that language assistance services are available free of charge, that auxiliary aids and services are available for individuals with disabilities, and how to obtain them. Add a translated tagline in each required language using the standard format with your real phone and TTY numbers.
- Tagline format: "ATTENTION: If you speak [LANGUAGE], language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you."
- Include a working phone number and TTY
- State the disability auxiliary-aids notice too
- 4
Post it everywhere it is required
Place the notice in conspicuous physical locations where you interact with the public, in a conspicuous location on your website, and in significant publications and communications. Keep a copy of what you posted and where.
- Front desk, waiting rooms, and intake areas
- A clearly linked page on your website
- Significant member and patient communications
What goes into a Notice of Availability
The core elements every Section 1557 notice needs — and how TalkTool helps you back it up
Top 15 Languages, Per State
Your notice covers English plus the 15 most-spoken LEP languages for your state, drawn from the official HHS OCR lists and translated taglines.
Standard Tagline Format
The familiar "ATTENTION: If you speak [LANGUAGE]..." tagline tells callers language help is free and how to reach you, in each required language.
On-Site, Online & In Print
The notice belongs in conspicuous physical locations, in a conspicuous spot on your website, and in significant publications and communications.
Auxiliary Aids Too
Beyond language, the notice tells people with disabilities that auxiliary aids and services are available free of charge, and how to obtain them.
Make the Promise Real
A notice says help is available — TalkTool helps you deliver it, with live AI translation in 60+ languages on routine, high-volume calls.
Mind the Deadline
The 2024 Final Rule set a compliance timeline (generally within one year of the rule's effective date). Verify the current dates with HHS/OCR.
Notice of Availability FAQ
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