Lawrence + Memorial Hospital has settled a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Connecticut on behalf of a deaf patient who alleged the hospital failed to provide her with an American Sign Language interpreter when she arrived for an appointment.
Without a qualified interpreter, the patient, who cannot hear at all, alleged she was unable to effectively communicate with the hospital’s staff, including those providing her health care.
Disability Rights Connecticut filed the complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, terms of the settlement agreement require L+M to assess patients and/or companions to determine if auxiliary aids or services are required for effective communication. When necessary, L+M will provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters, free of charge to patients or companions who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Read the source article at businesswire.com
