Falls Church, Va.-based Inova Health System has agreed to pay $145,000 to settle a lawsuit that claimed one of its hospitals violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide a sign language interpreter to an expectant mother who is deaf, according to a Department of Justice news release.
The Justice Department filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleging auxiliary aids and services, including sign language interpretation, were not provided at Inova’s Fairfax Hospital, also in Falls Church.
The consent decree, which must be approved by the district court, requires Inova to pay $95,000 to aggrieved individuals and a $25,000 civil penalty; provide training to hospital staff on the requirements of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act; and adopt specific policies and procedures to ensure that auxiliary aids and services are promptly provided to patients or companions who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Inova has also separately agreed to pay a total of $25,000 to two other aggrieved individuals.
Read the DOJ news release on Inova Health System.
Read about other recent lawsuits involving hospitals:
– 10 Recent Hospital Lawsuits & Settlements
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
