The Plain Writing Act was signed into law on October 13, 2010. This law requires that all federal agencies use "clear government communication that the public can understand and use." The purpose of the Act is to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal Agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can use and understand. Put simply, government agencies such as ours should issue communication that helps you:

• Easily find what you need,
• Understand what you hear or read, and,
• Use it the first time you read or hear it.

How are we promoting the use of Plain Writing at FDA?

• Expanding awareness about the Plain Writing Act to FDA employees.
• Providing training to all staff in a variety of ways, including the Department of Health and Human Services Plain Language online training modules, webinars, and traditional classroom settings.
• Enhancing our Web pages with information and resources on plain language.
• Formally recognizing FDA employees who succeed in communicating using plain language principles through annual plain language awards.

Our Commitment to the Public

We, at FDA, are committed to writing new documents in plain language using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.

We need your help to comply with The Plain Writing Act!

Let us know if you have trouble understanding our documents or the pages on our Web site by e-mailing us at: [email protected]

You can also provide us with feedback by answering our questions in our feedback section at the bottom of this page.

Spotlight

• FDA Plain Language Award Recipients
• Plain Writing at Work
• Strategic Plan for Risk Communication and Health Literacy (SPRCHL)

Your Comments

• Important Feedback: Tell us what you think!

Plain Language Contacts

Nicole McCray-Dixon | Director, FDA University
Julie Frandsen | Management Analyst

FDA University, Office of Human Capital Management
[email protected]