Scott Statement on HHS Final Rule to Prevent Disability Discrimination in Health Care Services
WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), finalized a rule that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
“People with disabilities have the right to participate fully in their community. Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) clarified and strengthened application of civil rights law to ensure that programs and activities that receive federal funding through the Department are accessible to all people with disabilities. Specifically, the final rule addresses discrimination in medical treatment, adds enforceable standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment, and ensures web, mobile, and kiosk accessibility. Additionally, the rule expressly prohibits decisions that impact families in the child welfare system from discrimination based on speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations that a disabled parent, caregiver, foster parent, or prospective parent cannot safely care for a child.
“In total, these regulations represent the most significant updates to HHS’s regulations aimed at preventing disability discrimination since the original regulations were promulgated nearly 50 years ago. However, we still have a long way to go to achieve the goal of providing people with disabilities with equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. I am grateful for the Biden Administration’s leadership on this issue and will continue to work with them to achieve our ultimate goal of universal access for people with disabilities.
To read Ranking Member Scott’s letter of support for the proposed regulation, click here.
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