Federal Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Telehealth
Due to the increased usage of telehealth following the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS) jointly issued guidance on how various federal laws require telehealth to be accessible to people with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Specifically, this guidance addresses federal nondiscrimination requirements under the following laws:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); and
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Overview
The Departments recognize that telehealth has many benefits, including making health care more available and convenient. However, they also note that individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency may face discrimination or other barriers in accessing care provided via telehealth.
As a result, the guidance provides examples of actions that may be discriminatory and describes steps that providers may need to take to ensure that health care offered via telehealth is accessible. The guidance also provides a list of resources that providers and patients may wish to consult for additional information about telehealth and civil rights protections.
Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in programs or activities that are funded or directly operated by HHS may file a complaint at the Department of Health & Human Services website. Individuals who believe that a telehealth provider has violated their civil rights may file a complaint with the DOJ.
This Legal Update is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice. ©2022 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.