Recent Civil Rights Resolution Agreements & Compliance Reviews

Following a complaint investigation or compliance review, OCR sometimes determines if it is necessary to negotiate resolution agreements requiring covered entities to take needed corrective action to comply with Federal civil rights laws. These agreements can be far-reaching, statewide agreements that call for a systemic change in the way a state does business, or they may cover a single healthcare provider or hospital. Some recent examples are listed below:

  • HHS Office for Civil Rights Works with Arizona State Court to Ensure Meaningful Access for People with Limited English Proficiency – November 22, 2022

    The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that the Maricopa Superior Court (MSC) in Maricopa County, the largest county in Arizona, has agreed to take a number of action steps to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) are provided meaningful access to justice in its court proceedings and operations, programs and activities. OCR initiated a compliance review of MSC after receiving complaints alleging that MSC may have failed to provide LEP individuals involved in child welfare dependency and neglect proceedings with language services. In response, OCR conducted an onsite investigation, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed the court’s programs, policies, and procedures for providing LEP individuals meaningful access to seeking justice and exercising rights in its court services, in compliance with its obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations. OCR commends the Maricopa Superior Court for the resources it has dedicated to developing and implementing its language access policies and procedures, and its commitment to providing individuals with LEP meaningful access to its court proceedings.

  • HHS Office for Civil Rights Takes Action to Ensure Effective Communication for Those Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing – November 9, 2022

    The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Section 1557). CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs is a faith-based, not-for-profit hospital, with more than 280 licensed beds, serving the health care needs of Hot Springs, Ark., and surrounding communities. The Agreement resolves a complaint filed with OCR by an individual, alleging that CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs discriminated against her on the basis of her disabilities (deafness and Usher Syndrome, which included peripheral vision loss) when it failed to provide her with appropriate auxiliary aids to ensure effective communication during her visit to the Emergency Department on September 1, 2019, in violation of Section 504 and Section 1557. As a result of the investigation, CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs voluntarily entered into an agreement and affirmed that it will comply with all provisions of Section 504 and Section 1557.

  • HHS Voluntary Resolution Agreement with the University of Southern California Settles Title IX Compliance Review

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with the University of Southern California (“USC”) and Keck Medicine of USC (collectively referred to as, “the KMUSC Entities”), resolving a compliance review of the KMUSC Entities’ policies and procedures for responding to sex discrimination complaints made by students, employees, or patients employed by, or participating in, any KMUSC programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from HHS.  OCR initiated the compliance review of the KMUSC Entities to assess KMUSC’s compliance with Title IX in its handling of sexual harassment complaints.  KMUSC willingly worked with OCR to ensure voluntary compliance with its federal civil rights obligations under Title IX. As a result, OCR and KMUSC reached this agreement, reflecting KMUSC's commitment to promoting safe and equitable patient care and a healthcare environment that is free of unlawful discrimination, pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally assisted education programs or activities.

  • Settlement Agreement Reached with Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families to Address Discrimination Against Parents with Disabilities

    The Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and United States Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island (USAO) announced today that the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) has agreed to resolve alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. DCYF is a state agency responsible for child welfare services, juvenile corrections, and children's behavioral health services.

    The investigation was opened after the U.S. Attorney's Office and HHS received multiple complaints from parents with disabilities. Three complaints alleged that DCYF failed to provide sign language interpreter services to parents who are deaf during child protection investigations, including when DCYF removed their children from their homes. A fourth complaint alleged that DCYF based conclusions about the parental capacity on a parent's disabilities (epilepsy and intellectual disabilities), and failed to provide reasonable modifications to the parent's plan. The U.S. Attorney's Office and HHS investigated and concluded that DCYF may not have taken appropriate steps to ensure for effective communication with parents and caretakers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, the investigation indicated that DCYF lacked sufficient policies, procedures, and related training to ensure that DCYF fulfills its obligations under federal civil rights laws to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access to DCYF's services because of disability.

  • Massachusetts Healthcare Provider Resolves Allegations of Discriminatory Practices Regarding Patients Needing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

    OCR and United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts reached agreement with The Oaks, a skilled nursing facility in Massachusetts operated by Life Care Centers of America, Inc., to resolve allegations that the facility denied admission to a prospective resident because he was taking an FDA-approved medication to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), in violation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The investigation was opened after the U.S. Attorney’s Office received information alleging that The Oaks had a practice of denying admission to individuals solely because the individuals were being treated with buprenorphine or methadone, medications used to treat OUD. The complainant was seeking admission to The Oaks for conditions other than OUD, but also needed the facility to administer medication for OUD, as they would administer medication for any other chronic illness. Under the terms of the agreement, The Oaks will, among other things, revise its admissions policy, and provide training to admissions personnel on Federal civil rights laws and OUD, to ensure that it will not deny admission to individuals with disabilities because they are taking a medication to treat OUD and will determine whether an individual with OUD is qualified for admission with or without reasonable accommodations. The Oaks will also pay the Department of Justice a civil penalty of $5,000.    
  • HHS Office for Civil Rights and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts Settle Disability Discrimination Case with Baystate Medical Center

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR), in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts (DOJ), entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with Baystate Medical Center (Baystate), to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Section 1557).

    The Agreement resolves a complaint filed with DOJ on behalf of an individual who is deaf and utilizes American Sign Language (“ASL”), alleging that Baystate failed to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services necessary to effectively communicate with the patient. According to the complaint, despite requesting a qualified ASL interpreter prior to her scheduled arrival to induce labor, Baystate failed to take appropriate steps to ensure that its communications with her during labor and childbirth were effective.
  • HHS Office for Civil Rights and U.S. Attorney's Office Settle Disability Discrimination Case with Backus Hospital

    The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut (DOJ), entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with Backus Hospital, to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.  The Agreement resolves a complaint filed with DOJ on behalf of an individual who is deaf, alleging that Backus Hospital failed to provide timely auxiliary aids and services to effectively communicate with the patient during an inpatient stay at Backus Hospital in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the complaint, despite requesting services upon arrival and receiving them during his emergency room stay, the complainant was not provided an interpreter or video remote interpreting services at critical points of care during his inpatient stay and relied on hand-written notes to communicate with doctors and staff during the hospital visit.
  • Rhode Island, Massachusetts Healthcare Provider Resolves Allegations of Discriminatory Practices Regarding Patients Needing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

    The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and United States Attorney’s Offices in the District of Rhode Island and Massachusetts announced today that they have reached agreement with twelve skilled nursing facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts operated by Genesis HealthCare Inc, to resolve allegations that the facilities denied admission to prospective residents because they were taking an FDA-approved medical treatment to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.
  • HHS OCR and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan Enter Voluntary Resolution Agreement with Michigan Bariatric Practice to Protect Patients from HIV Discrimination - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (“HHS OCR”) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan have entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with Great Lakes Surgical Associates (“GLSA”) to protect patients from discrimination on the basis of HIV status. The Complainant, an African American man and a Medicare beneficiary, initially filed a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ), reporting that his primary care physician referred him to GLSA for bariatric surgery to address his high blood pressure and diabetes. However, GLSA allegedly refused to fully evaluate him for bariatric surgery or to provide him with the surgery due to the Complainant’s HIV status. (Date: 3/4/2021)
  • CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System (CHRISTUS TMF) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR) has successfully secured a Voluntary Resolution Agreement to resolve a compliance review involving the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System (CHRISTUS TMF). The compliance review focused on allegations regarding provision of appropriate auxiliary aids and services necessary for effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. After HHS OCR conducted its investigation and informed CHRISTUS TMF of its compliance concerns, CHRISTUS TMF entered into an agreement with OCR to ensure compliance with effective communication obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. (Date: 1/16/2020)
  • Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PADHS) - The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it has entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PaDHS) concerning its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the rights of eligible persons with limited English proficiency. PaDHS had alleged deficiencies in its provision of language services to two eligible individuals that were not provided adequate or timely Spanish language translation services, despite their multiple requests. (Date: 12/19/19)
  • Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) - The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it has entered into a voluntary resolution agreement (VRA) with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) concerning the rights of parents with disabilities in ODHS Child Welfare Programs (CWP).  OCR initiated a compliance review of ODHS following news reports and a complaint from an advocate alleging that ODHS removed two infant children from a mother and father with disabilities and denied the parents effective and meaningful opportunities to reunite with their children due in significant part to their allegedly having IQ (intelligence quotient) scores that were too low. (Date: 12/4/19)
  • Michigan State University - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights has entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with Michigan State University; the MSU HealthTeam, and MSU Health Care, Inc., resolving a civil rights investigation related to Larry Nassar's sexual abuse of gymnasts and others while employed by MSU. Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU was founded in 1855 and served as a model for land-grant universities later created under the Morrill Act of 1862. (Date: 08/12/2019)
  • Mid-Maryland Muskuloskeletal Institute (MMI) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) with Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute (MMI). The agreement resolves a complaint alleging that MMI did not ensure effective communication with a deaf or hard of hearing patient, in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557). MMI is an orthopedic practice in Maryland that provides a full-range of orthopedic services, including onsite physical therapy. MMI receives Federal financial assistance (FFA) through its participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and is subject to the requirements of Section 504 and Section 1557. (Date: 7/24/19)
  • OCR Secures Agreement with West Virginia to Protect Persons in Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder from Discrimination on the Basis of Disability:  OCR entered into a voluntary resolution agreement (VRA) with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, including persons in recovery from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) to be free from discrimination in state child welfare programs. OCR investigated a complaint filed by an aunt and uncle who sought to adopt their young niece and nephew who were in the custody of West Virginia’s Bureau of Children and Families Programs (BCF).  The aunt and uncle allege BCF denied their request for placement of the children based on the uncle’s being in recovery from opioid use disorder and his long-term use of physician-prescribed Suboxone as part of his medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. [May 13, 2020]
  • University of North Carolina Health Care System (UNC Health Care) - The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it has successfully resolved a complaint against the University of North Carolina Health Care (UNC Health Care) system alleging that it unlawfully denied an individual the opportunity to be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) list on the basis of their disability. UNC Health Care is a public academic medical center comprised of North Carolina Memorial Hospital, North Carolina Children’s Hospital, North Carolina Neurosciences Hospital, and North Carolina Women’s Hospital. (Date: 02/12/2019)
  • OCR works with DOJ to ensure federally funded medical center provides communication services for deaf and hard of hearing patients  (Date: 12/20/2017)
  • The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) has agreed to enter into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont (DOJ) to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. UVMMC is an academic medical center that is part of a six-hospital network, serving Vermont and Northern New York. It is a Level I Trauma Center and provides a full range of tertiary-level inpatient and outpatient services, as well as primary care services at 10 Vermont locations. The UVMMC Campus, a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont, is a 562-bed facility and includes most of UVMMC’s inpatient services and an emergency department.
  • Alabama Department of Human Resources - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has entered into a Settlement Agreement with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR). The Agreement resolves a finding that ADHR administered its Child Welfare Programs in a manner that had the effect of delaying or denying access to its programs and services on the basis of nation origin, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a recipient of Federal financial assistance from HHS, ADHR is subject to Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Under Title VI, recipients must take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to their programs for individuals with limited English proficiency. (Date:  10/25/2017)

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  • HHS Office for Civil Rights Enters Into Agreement with Oklahoma Nursing Home to Protect Patients with HIV/AIDS from Discrimination (Date: 09/08/17)
  • OCR and DOJ have entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with the John Dempsey Hospital, a subsidiary of the University of Connecticut Health Center (UConn Health), to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. (Date: 01/03/17)
  • OCR has entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with the Erie County Department of Social Services (ECDSS) of Buffalo, New York to ensure appropriate language assistance services are provided to individuals to whom they serve with limited English proficiency (LEP). (Date: 12/22/16)
  • OCR issues a report on its National HIV/AIDS Compliance Review Initiative. This Initiative began in 2014, when OCR conducted coordinated compliance reviews at twelve hospitals – one hospital in each of the twelve cities most impacted by HIV/AIDS. Focusing on HIV testing, prevention and treatment services, the compliance reviews examined the ways in which each hospital ensures: (1) equal access for HIV-positive individuals to programs and services; (2) meaningful access for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals; and (3) the privacy and security of individuals’ health information and their rights with regard to that information. Read OCR’s compliance review report “Protecting the Civil Rights and Health Information Privacy of People Living with HIV/AIDS”  | Read the Bulletin | Read Blog Post on HIV.gov (Date: 07/13/2016)
  • OCR entered into a settlement agreement with the state of Georgia, Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to improve access for individuals with disabilities to foster and adoption programs and activities. (Date: 1/11/16)
  • OCR has entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with three Puerto Rico hospitals to ensure appropriate auxiliary aids and services are provided to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.
  • Arizona Department of Economic Security Agrees To improve access to federal public benefits assistance programs for immigrants.
  • The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York Agrees To Take Actions To Ensure that Transgender Patients Receive Appropriate and Equitable Care and Treatment and the Full Benefit of Its Services. (07/14/15)
  • OCR and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut (DOJ) announced today that they have jointly entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center (SFHMC) to ensure effective communication with and enhance the quality of services for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. (03/20/15)
  • OCR has entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with Shiawassee County Medical Care Facility in Corunna, Michigan to resolve issues raised in OCR’s review of the Medical Care Facility’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Title VI prohibits discrimination in the administration of any federally-funded program based on race, color, or national origin.  Shiawassee County Medical Care Facility is a 136-bed skilled nursing facility that is Medicare and Medicaid certified.  OCR initiated a review to determine Shiawassee’s compliance with Title VI in its assignment of hospital staff to care for patients.  OCR’s Title VI review was prompted by a nursing staff member’s instruction to two other nurses to not assign African-American staff to a Caucasian Resident. (02/13/15)
  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has entered into an agreement with OCR to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access information provided by CMS and its contractors in CMS programs. The Commitment to Action (CTA) resolves two complaints filed by a national advocacy program concerning access for individuals who are blind or have low vision to communications in the Medicare program. In the comprehensive agreement, CMS further commits to ensuring effective communication for all individuals with disabilities in all CMS programs. (8/20/14)
  • Mee Memorial Hospital of California agrees to expand and improve accessibility for persons with limited English proficiency (LEP).  MMH consists of a main hospital and five clinics serving approximately 50,000 people throughout 2,500 square miles in rural California. (8/21/14)
  • Williamston House, a North Carolina assisted living facility, agrees to change policies and procedures in order to accept residents with HIV/AIDS (8/20/14)
  • Hurley Medical Center, a public safety net hospital and medical center which provides roughly two-thirds of all uncompensated medical care in the Flint, Michigan area, has entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with OCR to ensure compliance with Title VI’s prohibition of race discrimination in staff assignments for patient care.
  • Surgeon agrees to treat HIV-positive patients after losing federal funding. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had announced the termination of Medicaid funding to a California surgeon who intentionally discriminated against an HIV-positive patient by refusing to perform much needed back surgery. An order, issued by the HHS Departmental Appeals Board, concluded that the surgeon violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits disability discrimination by health care providers who receive federal funds. Read the HHS Departmental Appeals Board Decision   [07/18/13] | Read the OCR Violation Letter of Findings  | Read the Post-Termination Compliance Agreement (7.28.14) | Read the Bulletin (7.29.14)
  • OCR and the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children's Services (MDHS-DFCS), have signed a voluntary resolution agreement to expand language assistance services for persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).  Under the agreement with OCR, MDHS-DFCS will take a comprehensive approach to ensure persons with LEP have meaningful and timely access to a variety of critical services, activities and programs. Read the Voluntary Resolution Agreement  | Read the Bulletin  [04/15/14]
  • OCR launches national compliance review initiative, “Advancing Effective Communication in Critical Access Hospitals.” This initiative will work to ensure that language access is provided so that limited English proficient (LEP) individuals can effectively participate in, and benefit from, health care services at critical access hospitals. These hospitals along with community and migrant health centers play a critical role in providing health care to LEP individuals in rural and isolated areas. Read OCR’s compliance review report, “Advancing Effective Communication in Critical Access Hospitals"  | Read the Bulletin  [Date: 04/30/13]
  • OCR has entered into a settlement agreement with Genesis HealthCare, one of the nation’s largest providers of senior care. Read the OCR Settlement Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release [Date: 03/05/13] | Read the Violation Letter of Findings [Updated: 07/28/13]
  • OCR has entered into agreements with the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging (CCDOA) in NY and the District of Columbia Children and Family Services Agency (DCCFSA) to ensure that individuals in NY and DC who are deaf and hard of hearing have equal access to human service programs and activities. Read the CCDOA Agreement  | Read the DCCFSA Agreement  | Read the HHS press release exit disclaimer icon [Date: 02/08/13]
  • OCR and Memorial Health System in Colorado Springs, CO have signed a voluntary resolution agreement to ensure effective communication with and improve the quality of services for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or limited English proficient.  This voluntary resolution agreement demonstrates OCR’s commitment to enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination by health care and human service providers. Read the Voluntary Resolution Agreement  | Read the Bulletin  [Date: 11/07/12]
  • OCR and Shenandoah Memorial Hospital (SMH) of Woodstock, Virginia have signed a voluntary resolution agreement to expand language assistance services for limited English proficient (LEP) persons. Language assistance services are essential to meaningful access to quality health care.  If providers and patients do not understand each other clearly and cannot communicate effectively, quality of care is compromised, sometimes even jeopardized.  This voluntary resolution agreement demonstrates the benefits of hospitals working cooperatively with OCR to ensure Title VI compliance. Read the Voluntary Resolution Agreement  | Read the Bulletin  [Date: 8/28/12]
  • North Carolina Department Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) - The State of North Carolina has voluntarily agreed to screen and assess applicants and participants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Reasonable accommodations may include job training and supports for a longer time period than what was typically afforded, modified work experience programs at public agencies or nonprofits, or in-depth services from the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Read the Settlement Agreement . 
  • OCR has entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut mandating that the town recreation department revise its policy to comply with Title II requirements, conduct an assessment of the needs of children with diabetes entering its summer camp programs on a case by case basis, and work with families to provide reasonable modifications for children requiring diabetes-related care while attending camp programs. The agreement follows an OCR investigation into a complaint filed by a father on behalf of his eight year old daughter, alleging that that the Town failed to provide reasonable modifications to its summer camp program to allow camp staff to administer blood glucose testing and, if necessary, provide diabetes-related care to the child participating in the program. Read the Resolution Agreement and CAP  | Read the HHS Press Release | How to file a Civil Rights complaint [Date: 4/16/12]
  • OCR has entered into a settlement agreement with Advanced Dialysis Centers (ADC), in Randallstown, Maryland, to settle a complaint against ADC for violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In the agreement, ADC commits to revise it policies and procedures to comply with Section 504 and to provide staff comprehensive training on their obligations to provide services without discrimination to qualified persons with disabilities. This settlement follows an OCR investigation into a complaint filed by the sister of a deaf patient at ADC who alleged that the facility repeatedly failed to provide adequate sign language interpreter services essential to her brother understanding important medical decisions and treatment options. Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release [Date: 2/17/12]
  • OCR has entered into a settlement agreement with the St. Mercy Medical Center (Mercy), in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to settle a complaint against Mercy for violation of Section 504 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  In the agreement, Mercy commits to revise it policies and procedures to comply with Section 504 and to provide staff comprehensive training on their obligations to provide services without discrimination to qualified persons with disabilities. This settlement follows an OCR investigation into a complaint filed by an individual whose service animal was not allowed to accompany him into the hospital.  Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release
  • OCR entered into a resolution agreement with the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System (ETMC) to ensure that deaf or hard of hearing patients receiving care will be screened and provided with sign language interpreter services when necessary for effective communication. After investigating the complaint of a deaf patient who alleged she had not been provided a sign language interpreter while receiving prenatal care at ETMC Crocket Hospital, OCR issued a letter of concern to ETMC stating that deficiencies in their policies could result in the provision of auxiliary aids and services to deaf patients in an arbitrary or inconsistent manner.  Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, recipients of federal financial assistance must provide auxiliary aids and services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Read the Letter of Concern  | Resolution Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release
  • OCR has entered into a settlement agreement with the Citizen’s Medical Center (CMC), in Victoria, Texas, to settle a complaint against CMC for violation of Section 504 and the ADA.  In the agreement, CMC commits to a corrective action plan aimed at remedying its discriminatory policy and to provide staff training and implementation of a patient grievance procedure. This settlement follows an OCR investigation into a complaint filed by the parent of a child with autism, who was denied an opportunity to participate in CMC’s child care program based on the child’s disability.  Under Section 504 and the ADA, a qualified individual with a disability may not be excluded from a program based on a perception that the individual may need a reasonable modification for his disability. Read the Letter of Findings and Settlement Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release
  • A settlement agreement was reached with Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, New York after OCR found them in violation of Section 504 and the ADA. OCR found that the Hospital engaged in unlawful discrimination on the basis of disability by failing to provide a patient who was deaf, with a sign language interpreter while she was treated at the Hospital. Section 504 and the ADA require that effective communication be provided to people with disabilities including providing sign language interpreting. Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release
  • OCR has entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RIDHS) that helps ensure that clients with limited English proficiency - those who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English - will have improved access to RIDHS programs and services, including access to Medicaid and other social services programs. Under the agreement, RIDHS will also ensure that current and new staff will receive comprehensive training on a provider’s duties under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  The resolution agreement resolves a complaint filed with OCR by the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and a concurrent review conducted by OCR to determine whether RIDHS was in compliance with an open agreement it had with OCR to improve language access services for RIDHS’ LEP clients. Read the Voluntary Resolution Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) entered into an Agreement with OCR to resolve a complaint alleging that it violated provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when UPMC decided to close Braddock Hospital in January of this year.  Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin by recipients of Federal financial assistance such as UPMC, which receives funds from HHS. Read the Voluntary Compliance Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish)
  • Ramapo Manor Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Suffern, New York (Ramapo) entered into a Settlement Agreement with OCR that ensures that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing will be provided equal access to its facility and will be provided interpreter services when necessary for effective communication.  Ramapo is a 203-bed nursing facility that cares for long-term chronically ill patients and short-term post acute rehabilitative patients. The Agreement resolves a Violation Letter of Findings that OCR had issued under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the Letter of Findings  | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish)
  • OCR and the Administration for Children and Families at HHS have entered into a voluntary resolution agreement with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that helps ensure that children in Washington State in need of welfare and protective services will not be segregated based on race, color, or national origin.  DSHS entered into the agreement following an OCR compliance review conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1808(c) of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996.  The compliance review focused on the Office of African American Children’s Services (OAACS), located in Seattle, Washington.  Following its review, OCR notified DSHS of concerns that race was the sole factor for determining whether children in DSHS Region 4, which encompasses King County, Washington, were referred for services at OAACS. As a result, DSHS voluntarily reorganized OAACS, renamed it the Martin Luther King, Jr. Office, and agreed to additional measures to ensure nondiscrimination against children in need of these services. Read the Voluntary Resolution Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish - Spanish )
  • Under a voluntary compliance agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) and OCR, DCF will ensure that when Wisconsin families seek income assistance and help finding employment, they will have an equal opportunity to participate in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.  Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), DCF will ensure that sanctions (i.e., reductions in income assistance) are not applied to TANF participants in a discriminatory manner based on race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency).  Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), DCF will screen and assess TANF applicants and participants to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations, which may include job training and supports for a longer time period than what is typically afforded, sign language interpreters, or in-depth services from the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Read the Voluntary Compliance Agreement  | Read the “Wisconsin Works (W-2) Sanctions Study"  | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish - Spanish )
  • The Windsor Rosewood Care Center, LLC (WRCC), located in Contra Costa County, California, has agreed to provide individuals with HIV/AIDS equal access to its skilled nursing facility, as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This Settlement Agreement resolves a discrimination complaint filed with OCR by the Contra Costa HIV Legal Services Project.  After investigating the complaint, OCR issued a Violation Letter of Finding to WRCC, concluding that when it was owned and operated by Helios Healthcare, LLC, the skilled nursing facility violated Section 504 by denying admission to a Medicaid beneficiary because he was HIV-positive.  Read the Letter of Finding  | Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read OCR Director's "Guest Blog" on HIV.gov | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish - Spanish )
  • Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) entered into a Settlement Agreement with OCR to provide deaf or hard-of-hearing patients with sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids when needed for effective communication, as required by Federal law for effective communication. OIP is orthopedic surgical practice with 127 staff in six offices. Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the Letter of Finding  | Read the HHS Press Release  (Spanish - Spanish )
  • University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics (UUHC) entered into a Resolution Agreement with OCR to ensure that patients with hearing, vision or speech disabilities will be screened and provided with auxiliary aids and services, including sign language interpreters, as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  The UUHC healthcare system, located in Salt Lake, Davis, Wasatch, Tooele, and Utah Counties, provides care for residents of Utah and five surrounding states, serving more than 850,000 patients annually. Read the Resolution Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish - Spanish )
  • Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) entered into a Settlement Agreement with OCR to provide effective communication as required by Federal law to an estimated 3 million deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. All deaf and hard-of-hearing persons using DCF's programs and services will be provided with sign language interpreters or other auxiliary aids and services as necessary for effective communication. Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the Summary of the Settlement Agreement | Read the Letter of Findings  | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish - Spanish )
  • An Austin, Texas orthopaedic surgeon, entered into a Settlement Agreement with OCR to ensure that individuals living with HIV/AIDS have equal access to appropriate medical treatment. The Settlement Agreement resolves the Violation Letter of Finding, which OCR issued to the surgeon after he declined to perform knee surgery on an HIV-positive patient. The orthopaedic surgeon’s practice group sees an average of 200 patients per week.  Read the Letter of Finding | Read the Settlement Agreement | Read the HHS Press Release
  • Montgomery County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) in New York entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with OCR to ensure that the language assistance needs of their clients are properly assessed and that competent, timely language access services are provided to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals.  MCDSS provides or administers a wide range of publicly funded social services and cash assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps, Medicaid, emergency assistance, general relief, adult protective services and personal care services. MCDSS programs reach approximately 28,000 people.  Read the Resolution Agreement | Read the HHS Press Release (Spanish - Spanish )
  • Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute (MMI) in Frederick, MD, entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement with OCR to ensure that persons who are deaf or hard-of -hearing receive interpreter services when necessary for effective communication.  MMI is an 11-physician orthopedic practice with three offices, seeing 1,000 patients monthly  Read the Resolution Agreement | Read the HHS Press Release
  • Fort Washington Medical Center in Prince George’s County, MD, entered into a Settlement Agreement with OCR to ensure that persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing receive interpreter services when necessary for effective communication. Fort Washington Medical Center annually admits more more than 2,800 patients and sees more than 45,000 patients in its Emergency Room  Read the Letter of Findings | Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release
  • Alaska's Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Anchorage Pioneer Home (APH), an assisted living facility serving over 160 seniors, entered into a Settlement Agreement with OCR to ensure that APH residents with disabilities have equal access to transportation services. The settlement resolves the Violation Letter of Finding which OCR issued to DHSS and APH in January 2009.  Read the Letter of Finding  | Read the Settlement Agreement  | Read the HHS Press Release
  • New York's Schenectady County Department of Social Services (SCDSS), signed a Voluntary Resolution Agreement to ensure that individuals with physical disabilities receive equal access to its services and office buildings. SCDSS provides services to a county population of 150,818.  Read the Resolution Agreement | Read the HHS Press Release
  • State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (serving a state population of more than 1.2 million) entered into  a statewide Settlement Agreement to ensure that limited English proficient persons receive equal access to its programs and services, including medical care for low-income persons. Read the Resolution Agreement | Read the HHS Press Release
  • State of Georgia entered into a statewide Olmstead Settlement Agreement to ensure that more than 2,500 persons in Georgia with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness institutionalized in Georgia's seven public psychiatric hospitals and mental retardation facilities will have the opportunity to live in their communities with appropriate supports tailored to meet their individualized needs. (July 2008) Read the Resolution Agreement | Read the Summary of the Resolution Agreement | Read the HHS Press Release
  • Arizona Hospital and Trauma Center agreed to ensure that patients who are deaf or hard-of hearing receive timely auxiliary aids, including sign language interpreters or video interpretation. The Hospital and Trauma Center provides services to 150,000 patients annually. Read the Resolution Agreement
  • New York Social Services Agency (serving 4025 food stamp users monthly) agreed to ensure that clients who are deaf or hard-of hearing receive timely auxiliary aids, including sign language interpreters. The Social Service Agency provides 4,025 beneficiaries with food stamp on a monthly basis.  Read the Agreement
  • New York Hospital and Trauma Center (serving 56,000 patients yearly) agreed to ensure that patients who are deaf or hard-of hearing receive timely auxiliary aids, including sign language interpreters or video interpretation services. The Hospital and Trauma Center assist more than 56,000 patients yearly.  Read the Agreement
  • Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance MDTA agreed to ensure that people with learning disabilities have equal access to participate in and benefit its Massachusetts’ Employment Services Program.  MDTA provides services to more than 44,713 beneficiaries annually. Read the Agreement
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