Earlier this year, HHS OCR finalized the rule under Section 1557 to advance health equity and reduce health disparities by strengthening protections for some of the populations that have been most vulnerable to discrimination in the health care context. Section 1557 is the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act and states that individuals cannot be subject to discrimination based on their race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
As of Monday, 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 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 and 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. Click here for training materials.
- Covered entities with 15 or more employees are required to have a grievance procedure and a compliance coordinator. A model grievance procedure is available here.
- 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. Click here for translated materials.
Additional information about Section 1557, including fact sheets on key provisions and frequently asked questions, are also available here. These materials are translated in the top 15 languages nationally.
For questions about Section 1557 and the availability of materials, contact HHS OCR at 1557@hhs.gov.
To learn more about non-discrimination and health information privacy laws, your civil rights, and privacy rights in health care and human service settings, and to find information on how to file a complaint, visit us at www.hhs.gov/ocr.
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