GOVERNOR CRIST VISITS AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION, COMMENDS PLAIN LANGUAGE WORK PLAN
April 10, 2007
Contact:
ERIN ISAAC
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today visited the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to praise their implementation of the Plain Language Initiative. The Governor commended all state agencies under his direction for their efforts to improve customer service through the Plain Language Initiative.
“I am pleased with the progress of the Plain Language Initiative and the agencies’ cooperation and enthusiasm to serve the people of Florida,” said Governor Crist. “Florida is poised to take the necessary steps toward providing first-rate customer service at a level never before seen in state government.”
Governor Crist today met with Andrew C. Agwunobi, M.D., secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, and several other members of the agency’s leadership. The group discussed the agency’s accomplishments, including the establishment of a plain language implementation team and creation of a plain language work plan.
“Focusing on the individual is a top priority for me and for my staff,” said Secretary Agwunobi. “Health care decisions are extremely sensitive and personal. By using plain language, we provide Floridians the opportunity to make informed choices.”
The Governor’s Office of Citizen Services completed an evaluation of the quantity and quality of customer service provided by Governor’s agencies. The office also reviewed each agency’s strategies for implementing the Plain Language Initiative and made recommendations for needed improvements in customer service.
“Plain language increases government’s transparency and accountability and is a large part of ensuring open government in Florida,” said Governor Crist. “The agencies have implemented changes and are making government more accessible by speaking plainly and working to ensure a higher standard of customer service.”
The AHCA plain language implementation team developed an agency policy and training workbook which have been distributed to 200 staff members during training sessions. Also, new employees will be trained in plain language techniques.
Based on usage and level of importance, 50 documents were initially identified as not meeting the new plain language standards and are currently being reviewed and revised. In the future, all other AHCA materials, including publications, form letters, the agency’s Web site and online documents will be reviewed, and staff will prioritize their conversion into plain language.
“I am grateful to Secretary Agwunobi and his leadership team for overseeing the efficient, practical and swift implementation of the Plain Language Initiative,” said Governor Crist. “Through improving service to the people, we are respecting the public trust that is bestowed upon all of us who serve the people of Florida.”
The Governor established the Plain Language Initiative and the Office of Open Government in January 2007, through Executive Order 07-01. The initiative ensures clear, common language is used in government documents and information is presented in a logical sequence. Each state agency under the direction of the Governor works in communication with the Governor’s Office of Citizen Services to ensure ongoing compliance with plain language guidelines.