OCR resolved two complaints involving alleged denial of effective communication for deaf patients

OCR resolved two complaints involving alleged denial of effective communication for deaf patients in health care settings under Section 504 and Section 1557.

The cases involved San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico and Essentia Health West in Minnesota/North Dakota, with allegations including failure to provide qualified sign language interpreters and reliance on inadequate video remote interpreting.

Both providers must implement system-wide changes, including assessing communication needs, updating policies, providing interpreters and other auxiliary aids free of charge, and improving video remote interpreting use.

Each agreement requires staff training, designation of a civil rights coordinator, and notification to OCR of related complaints or legal actions; OCR will monitor compliance for one or two years depending on the provider.

Read more about the complaints on the HHS website