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  1. About FDA

Plain Writing: It's the Law!

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 is FDA promoting Plain Writing?

  • 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 modules, webinars, and in-person training.
  • Enhancing our Web pages with plain language resources.
  • 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.

Spotlight

Your Comments

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

Please visit Feedback: How Well are We Communicating with You? 
or e-mail us at: FDAUniversity@fda.hhs.gov.

Plain Language Contacts

Nicole McCray-Dixon | Director, FDA University

FDA University, Office of Human Capital Management
FDAUniversity@fda.hhs.gov



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