A complaint was originally filed with the U.S. Department of Justice against the practice by a patient who is deaf and uses American Sign Language.
The complainant alleged that the practice failed to provide the patient with a qualified interpreter for American Sign Language at medical appointments. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut determined that SMOS did not provide effective communication for a medical appointment.
Under the settlement agreement, SMOS is required to provide auxiliary aids and services such as American Sign Language interpreters to its patients.
SMOS has also agreed to provide reasonable modifications to policies and procedures consistent with the ADA for people with disabilities. The settlement agreement is effective for three years, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance over that period, according to the report.
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