Related Federal Cases
- Clinton Trustee Reynolds Busted in $70K Bribery Scheme · Michigan
- Macomb Trustee Clifford Freitas Busted in Bribery Sting · Michigan
- Chesterfield Supervisor Lovelock Busted in Bribery Sting · Michigan
- Craigmiles, Harris Busted in New Haven Bribery Scandal · Michigan
- FDIC Approves WesBanco Bank Merger Amid Scrutiny · Pennsylvania
Medical Offices Busted for Disability Denial
U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced today that two clinical psychology practices in Michigan have agreed to settle allegations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) after denying services to individuals with disabilities.
Michael Vredevoogd P.C., a neuropsychology practice in Clinton Township, and Apex Behavioral Health-Dearborn P.L.L.C., which provides mental and behavioral health services in Dearborn, were found to have violated the ADA by failing to provide sign language interpreters and allowing service animals in treatment rooms.
The investigations, prompted by complaints from patients, revealed that Apex Behavioral Health-Dearborn P.L.L.C. failed to provide a sign language interpreter to a patient who is deaf and communicates using American Sign Language, while Michael Vredevoogd, P.C., refused to provide services to a patient who used a service dog.
“It is critical for patients to be able to communicate effectively with their mental health care providers, especially clinical psychologists who must understand sensitive details in order to appropriately treat complex psychological issues,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider. “It is also important for patients who use service animals to be able to access the office of mental health providers. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that persons with disabilities are given equal access to health care.”
Under the settlement, both medical offices have agreed to update their policies and train their staff to ensure compliance under the ADA. They have also agreed to take steps to ensure that interpreters or other appropriate auxiliary aids and services are provided to individuals who need them in the future. The complainants in the Apex Behavioral Health matter will also receive monetary compensation.
For more information on the ADA and the DOJ’s Barrier Free Healthcare Initiative, visit http://www.ada.gov/usao-agreements.htm. Those interested in finding out more about these settlements or the obligations of public accommodations under the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access its ADA website at www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at usamie.civilrights@usdoj.gov, or by calling 313-226-9151.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that places of public accommodation, such as medical offices, provide sign language interpreters or other appropriate auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The ADA also requires that public accommodations make reasonable modifications to their policies and practices, such as allowing a service animal in a treatment room, when necessary to afford full and equal services to individuals with disabilities.
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Public CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic Corruption