RI Doctor's Office Fined $10,000 For ADA Discrimination

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island dermatology group agreed to make changes after a patient complained that it violated the Americans With Disabilities Act, U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha's Office said. Brown Dermatology was accused of not providing a sign language interpretor to a deaf patient.

Cunha's Office began an investigation after the patient's family member submitted a complaint. Because an American Sign Language interpreter was not provided at scheduled medical appointments, the family member was forced to do so herself, a role she was not qualified for, she said.

During the investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office found that Brown Dermatology failed to provide a sufficient interpreter for at least 12 appointments from 2018 to 2021. At least seven other deaf or hard of hearing patients were not provided interpreters, as well.

Brown Dermatology, which has 10 locations across the state, agreed to make the following changes:

• Adopt policies and procedures to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing patients are given aids or services to meet their communication needs. This could include a qualified ASL interpreter.
• Train staff in the ADA's effective communication requirements.
• Pay a $31,000 financial settlement. $17,5000 will go to the deaf patient, $3,500 will go to her family member and a $10,000 civil penalty.