ETMC Regional Healthcare System to Make Sure Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patients Receive Interpretation Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has entered into a [resolution agreement][1] with the East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) Regional Healthcare System to guarantee that patients who are deaf or hard of hearing receive sign language interpreter services for better communication. Under [Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973][2], recipients of federal financial assistance must provide auxiliary aids and services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

[1]: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/activities/agreements/
[2]: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf

URL: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/12/20111208c.html