Health Care

To refer others to this page, please use:
http://www.nad.org/healthcare

Effective communication with deaf or hard of hearing people is essential for providing quality health care. Critical medical information is communicated at many points, such as at admission, when explaining medical procedures, obtaining an informed consent for treatment, and at discharge.

In-patient, out-patient, and emergency health care provided by hospitals and nursing homes that receive federal financial assistance is covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition, public health care facilities are also covered under Title II and private health care facilities are covered under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Deaf or hard of hearing people must have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all services provided by health care facilities. A link is also provided (DeVinney Settlement) to the to the DeVinney v. Maine Medical Center Consent Decree that established a model for hospitals nationwide.

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to most doctors and other private health care providers. The memo about doctors provides guidance to deaf or hard of hearing people who need an interpreter to understand their doctor or health care provider. 

The ADA Q&A memo focuses on the obligations that private health care providers have under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The question and answer format provides information about which health care providers, individuals, and activities are covered, and information about the types, selection, and provision of auxiliary aids and services. This ADA Q&A memo can be printed and provided to health care providers to inform them about effective communication with deaf or hard of hearing people.