Washington Disability Private Law Suit

An investigation by the Department and a private law suit has resulted in the Washington Hospital Center agreeing to ensure individuals with disabilities safe and equal access to medical services. On November 2, 2005, the Department signed a comprehensive settlement agreement with private plaintiffs and the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, resolving claims against the hospital for failing to provide accessible medical services to individuals with disabilities. The settlement agreement addresses a variety of accessibility issues, including: ensuring accessible medical services and equipment, adopting nondiscriminatory policies, removing architectural barriers hospital-wide, and training staff on the ADA and the use of accessible equipment. “Accessibility in health care is vital for all Americans, and securing such access for individuals with disabilities helps meet the promise of the ADA,” said Bradley J. Schlozman, then-Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, in a press release announcing the settlement. “We applaud this healthcare facility for working with us to reach a successful resolution.”

The Hospital Center has specifically agreed to renovate a minimum of 35 patient rooms in the hospital to make them accessible to people with disabilities. The rooms will include accessible toilet facilities, other accessible features to the extent possible within existing space constraints, and adjustable height beds. Adjustable height beds enable people with mobility impairments to get in and out of the beds safely and independently. Moreover, when not operating at full capacity, the Hospital Center will hold open the accessible rooms for patients with disabilities.

The Hospital Center also will survey all of its equipment for compliance with ADA standards and will purchase new accessible equipment, including exam tables and chairs, lifts, radiologic equipment, and wheelchair scales, to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive equal access to the medical facility and the services that it provides.