The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada has reached an agreement with Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, LLC, to improve accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing patients and their companions. The agreement requires Sunrise Hospital and its 190 affiliated healthcare facilities nationwide to provide qualified in-person or video remote interpreting services.
Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada stated, “Every individual deserves the right to communicate effectively with their medical team, especially when assisting their child in an emergency room. This settlement reflects the United States Attorney’s Office’s commitment to the civil rights of disabled individuals, specifically those who are deaf or hard of hearing to ensure they may participate meaningfully in their own health care without obstacles.”
The agreement resolves a complaint from a deaf father who was denied an American Sign Language interpreter during his daughter’s emergency room visit at Sunrise Hospital. Instead, he had to use unreliable communication methods with hospital staff. As a result, he did not fully understand his daughter’s condition or treatment plan, leading to unnecessary stress and confusion for both him and his daughter.
Under the settlement terms, Sunrise Hospital will provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for deaf patients and companions. The hospital will also train all patient-facing staff on ADA requirements, regularly report on compliance efforts, update relevant policies and practices according to ADA standards, pay $30,000 in damages to the affected father, and pay $5,000 in civil penalties to the federal government.
Assistant United States Attorney Ednin D. Martinez handled this case.
Individuals wishing to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws can do so at www.civilrights.justice.gov. Additional information about the Americans with Disabilities Act is available by calling 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visiting www.ada.gov.
