Norwood Nursing Facility Settles Over Discrimination Claims

BOSTON, MA — A settlement between the U.S. Attorney's office and a skilled nursing facility in Norwood has been reached.

The U.S. Attorney’s office announced Thursday that they have resolved allegations that Charlwell House violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to accept a patient because they were being treated for opioid use disorder.

Charlwell House, a 124-bed health and rehabilitation center that provides skilled nursing services and rehabilitation programs, was accused of denying a person seeking admission for treatment because they were taking Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid drug use. Individuals receiving treatment for opioid drug use are generally considered disabled under the ADA, which among other things prohibits private healthcare providers from discriminating on the basis of disability, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Under the terms of the agreement, Charlwell House will, among other things, adopt a non-discrimination policy, provide training on the ADA and opioid use disorder to admissions personnel, and pay a civil penalty of $5,000 to the United States.

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