Norwich Hospital Resolves Disability Suit: Feds

NORWICH, CT — Backus Hospital has reached an agreement with the federal government to resolve a disability suit. The hospital signed the agreement to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The complaint originally filed with the U.S. Department of Justice was on behalf of a person who is deaf and alleged that the hospital failed to provide effective communication during their stay.

According to the complaint, despite requesting services upon arrival and receiving them during his emergency room stay, the patient was not provided an interpreter or video remote interpreting services during his inpatient stay. Instead, he had to rely on hand-written notes to communicate with doctors and staff.

Following an investigation, the hospital voluntarily entered into an agreement with the federal government to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The hospital also paid $7,500 in compensatory relief to the patient.

“Our Office is committed to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing and ensuring that all persons are able to effectively communicate with health care professionals,” Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle said in a statement.