May 14, 2012

Justice Dept. Settles Two HIV Health Care Discrimination Claims

Two settlements have been resolved involving claims that health care providers refused to serve people with HIV, which is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) statement. The first complaint was filed by an HIV-positive man who went to the Mercy Medical Group Midtown Clinic in Sacramento, where a podiatrist incorrectly said he could not perform surgery because he might get HIV during the procedure. The second was a claim against the Knoxville Chiropractic Clinic North in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a receptionist told a man with HIV the doctor would not treat people “like him.” The settlement agreements require the medical facilities to implement a nondiscrimination policy and to train staff on the ADA. In addition, Mercy Medical Group, which is affiliated with the CHW Medical Foundation, will pay $60,000 to the complainant and $25,000 as a civil penalty, and Knoxville Chiropractic Centers will pay $10,000 as a civil penalty.  

To read the DOJ statement, click here.

Search: Department of Justice, DOJ, Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, Mercy Medical Group Midtown Clinic, Sacramento, California, Knoxville Chiropractic Clinic North, Knoxville, Tennessee

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