Blog

Physicians Must Post Non-Discrimination Statements by Oct. 17

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights earlier this year issued final regulations implementing a provision (Section 1557) of the Affordable Care Act that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. The regulations apply to any individual or entity that provides or administers health-related services or insurance coverage and receives "federal financial assistance,” including Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP and the EHR Meaningful Use Program. As a result, by Oct. 17, most physicians and other covered entities must take “appropriate initial and continuing steps” to notify patients of the following:
  1. the covered entity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities;
  2. the covered entity provides appropriate auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities;
  3. the covered entity provides language assistance services;
  4. how to obtain the aids and services noted above;
  5. the identification and contact of a responsible employee (required only for a covered entity with 15 or more employees);
  6. the availability of grievance procedures
  7. how to file a discrimination complaint
For more information about the regulations, including where to find a sample notice of discrimination and posting requirements, plus additional resources, visit the ASNC.org Advocacy Center. 

Contributors