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The introduction to this fun video of popular songs with unplain lyrics says, using "long, fancy words designed to show off your intelligence and vocabulary are all very well, but they aren't always the best words." In this short, playful video Terin Izil explains why simple, punchy language is often ...
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On January 18, Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) introduced the Plain Regulations Act. Braley also introduced the Plain Writing Act, which became law on October 13, 2010, with strong bipartisan support. The original draft of that Act had covered regulations, but the provision was deleted during the legislative process because of ...
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At last, consumers will have a “Summary of Benefits and Coverage” as a standardized, plain language tool to understand their health plans. Under a rule announced last week by HHS, health insurers are now required to provide consumers with clear, consistent, and comparable summary information.  Here’s the link: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/files/Files2/02102012/blank-sbc-template-finalpdf.pdf Testing ...
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Maryland is the latest state to eliminate the 10-codes in favor of using plain language to make it easier to communicate during emergencies and with other, non-police, departments. For example, instead of saying “10-46,” police will now say “disabled vehicle.” In addition to confusion over the codes themselves, not all ...
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The power of words to change how people hear a message. Change your words. Change your world. This short film is from a web content agency in the UK. See the video on YouTube for credits. ...
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This article on the role of pictures in health literacy underscores the fact that plain language is about more than just the words we use – it’s about the way we present information, too. Layout and design is just as important as language, and can have a huge effect on ...
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We don't usually post information about our individual board members, but two recent awards merit mention. The Center and its members are so proud of these accomplishments! ...
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by Joanne Locke On March 1, the Washington Post published an article by Sandra Boodman’s on the need for clear health communication: “When Understanding is Critical” She describes the some serious problems that can result when patients don’t understand how to comply with their doctor’s instructions.  But she seems to ...
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