Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regarding nondiscrimination. The final rule:.
- Prohibits discrimination in health care on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability and sex (including discrimination based on pregnancy, gender identity and sex stereotyping);
- Enhances language assistance for people with limited English proficiency; and
- Helps to ensure effective communication for individuals with disabilities.
As of July 18, 2016, certain health care and coverage providers are subject to new requirements under Section 1557 and are expected to ensure their programs are in compliance with the law. HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has added a number of downloadable resources to our website to reduce burden for covered entities. Certain parts of the rule have a delayed applicability date and we encourage covered entities to review the procedural requirements of the final rule.
Available Materials:
- Training materials for health care providers, employees of health programs and insurance issuers programs has also been added to our website. These training materials include a slide deck and a presenter’s guide.
- Covered entities with 15 or more employees are required to have a grievance procedure and a compliance coordinator. A model grievance procedure is now available on the HHS website.
- Beginning October 17, 2016, covered entities will be required to post Notices of Nondiscrimination and Taglines that alert individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) to the availability of language assistance services. Sample documents of a Notice of Nondiscrimination, Statement of Nondiscrimination and Taglines are available for download in 64 languages.
Additional information about Section 1557, including fact sheets on key provisions and frequently asked questions, are also available.