Plain-language compliance: where readability targets come from
Some laws set a readability score. Most only ask for plain or understandable language. This guide shows, sector by sector, what the rule says, whether it sets a number, and how to keep a record of your check.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change and differ by place. Check the official source linked in each row and ask your own lawyer or compliance team. Sources last checked November 10, 2026.
Targets by sector
| Sector | Source of the rule | What it asks for | Sets a number? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance policies | State laws in FL, ME, MA, NY, CT, NC, OR, ND | Flesch Reading Ease 40 to 50, by state | Yes |
| Patient materials and consent forms | FDA and HHS rules; FDA guidance | Understandable or plain language; guidance suggests grade 6 to 8 | Guidance only |
| Medicaid and benefits notices | CMS Medicaid rules | Easily understood, plain language | No |
| Consumer finance disclosures | Regulation Z and the Dodd-Frank Act | Clear and conspicuous; plain language | No |
| Federal agency documents | Plain Writing Act of 2010 | Clear, concise, well-organized | No |
The pattern
Only some state insurance laws set a score, and they all use Flesch Reading Ease. Federal rules ask for plain, clear or understandable language and leave the number to you. Grade targets such as 6th or 8th grade come from guidance, studies and contracts.
That means a readability score is usually a writing aid, not a legal test. Where a law does set a score, it often sets its own counting rules too, so treat our result as an estimate.
Keep a record of your check
The free readability checker can print an evidence sheet. It records the date, the six scores, your target reader and a SHA-256 fingerprint of the text. The sheet records a measurement on the date shown; it does not certify compliance with any law, regulation or standard.
Frequently asked questions
Which laws set a readability score?
In our research, only some state insurance laws set a number: a minimum Flesch Reading Ease score, usually 40 to 50. The federal rules we checked ask for plain or understandable language without a number.
Where do grade targets like 6th or 8th grade come from?
Mostly from guidance, studies and contracts, not statutes. For patient materials, peer-reviewed studies attribute a 6th-grade target to the AMA and an 8th-grade target to the NIH.
Can this tool make my document compliant?
No. A score measures reading difficulty. Laws also cover content, layout and process, and some set their own counting rules. An evidence sheet records a measurement only.
Why might my score differ from an official score?
Some laws say what to count and what to leave out, such as headings, tables or defined terms. Our calculator scores all the text you paste.
How do I keep proof that I checked readability?
Print an evidence sheet from the calculator. It records the date, the scores, your target and a fingerprint of the text, so you can show which version you scored.