U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV | U.S. Department of Justice
The United States has finalized an agreement with Frankfort Regional Medical Center (FRMC), a healthcare facility in Frankfort, Kentucky, to address allegations of non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The hospital was accused of failing to provide effective communication for a deaf patient who uses American Sign Language (ASL).
During several visits to FRMC while pregnant, the patient did not receive an ASL interpreter or any alternative communication method. Even after requesting an in-person interpreter during labor and delivery, she had to arrange her own for a cesarean section. Furthermore, the hospital did not ensure effective communication during her recovery and a later visit for her infant's treatment. The patient's mother, also deaf and present as support during labor, was similarly denied appropriate auxiliary aids.
FRMC cooperated fully with the investigation by U.S. authorities which confirmed these allegations. As part of the settlement, FRMC will amend its policies in line with ADA requirements to ensure effective communication and qualified interpreters are available for patients. The hospital will also train staff on these updated policies, report future complaints, and work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for ongoing compliance.
Additionally, FRMC is required to pay $62,500 as a civil penalty to the United States government, $100,000 to the affected patient, and $10,000 to her mother.
U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV emphasized the importance of equal access to healthcare for deaf or hard-of-hearing patients: “This settlement reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing and ensuring that they are able to effectively participate in discussions and decisions regarding their health care.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Pond managed this case along with investigators from the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in collaboration with the Disability Rights Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Individuals experiencing discrimination or civil rights violations at public accommodations or entities in Eastern Kentucky can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office via email at usakye.civilrights@usdoj.gov or phone at (859) 685-4880.
For further details on civil rights efforts by this office visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/civil-rights; information about ADA can be found through their toll-free lines at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY), as well as online at www.ada.gov.
