On September 26, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada announced a settlement with a Las Vegas hospital to ensure that deaf patients and their companions receive appropriate communication support across its 190 affiliated healthcare facilities nationwide.
The settlement resolves a complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by a deaf father who accompanied his eight-year-old daughter during an emergency room visit. The hospital denied him an American Sign Language interpreter, in violation of the ADA.
Instead, he was forced to rely on an unreliable means of communication to relay and receive critical medical information, including his daughter’s condition, the medication administered, and the discharge process. As a result, both the father and daughter experienced unnecessary stress, fear, and confusion.
Under the terms of the agreement, the hospital must ensure consistent access to effective communication tools, such as qualified in-person or video remote interpreting services, for deaf patients and companions. It will also train all patient-facing staff on current ADA requirements, periodically submit reports regarding compliance, and revise all relevant policies and practices to align with the law.
Additionally, the hospital will pay $30,000 in monetary damages to the father and $5,000 in civil penalties to the United States.
“Every individual deserves the right to communicate effectively with their medical team, especially when assisting their child in an emergency room,” said Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “This settlement reflects the United States Attorney’s Office’s commitment to the civil rights of disabled individuals, specifically those who are deaf or hard of hearing, to ensure they may participate meaningfully in their own healthcare without obstacles.”
Compliance Perspective
Issue
The ADA mandates that covered entities communicate effectively with individuals who have communication disabilities, ensuring that communication is as effective as with individuals without disabilities. To meet this standard, auxiliary aids and services must be provided when necessary, taking into account factors such as the nature and complexity of the communication and the individual’s customary methods. This obligation extends not only to direct communication with the individual but also, when appropriate, to their companions. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, appropriate aids may include qualified interpreters (such as sign language or oral interpreters), real-time captioning, and written materials. A “qualified” interpreter is one who can interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Technology-based services like Video Relay Service (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) also support effective communication. VRS allows individuals to communicate through a sign language interpreter via video, while VRI enables remote interpreting when on-site interpreters are unavailable, such as in rural or underserved areas.
Discussion Points
- Review your policies and procedures related to effective communication with residents, patients, and their family members or representatives who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities. Include a review of anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation policies. Updates should reflect current ADA requirements and best practices. Facilities may benefit from engaging a third-party consultant to assist with policy evaluation, especially when addressing complex regulatory requirements or preparing for upcoming surveys.
- Provide regular training for staff on effective communication techniques for interacting with individuals who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities. This training should include the use of auxiliary aids and services, understanding residents’ communication preferences, and procedures for requesting interpreters or other supports. Med-Net Academy offers the course Caring for Residents with Sensory Impairments, which reviews common hearing and visual conditions, CMS and ADA requirements, communication technologies, and practical strategies for supporting residents with sensory impairments and related communication challenges.
- Periodically survey or assess staff to confirm they are aware of available communication resources within the facility for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have vision or speech disabilities. Ensure they understand the procedures for accessing services, as well as how to report concerns related to discrimination or retaliation. Incorporating external support—such as an outside compliance specialist—to perform focused audits or mock surveys can help identify gaps and reinforce facility readiness ahead of regulatory reviews.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*