NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Notice:
 

This is to advise that Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Harrisburg, PA has in place a non- discrimination policy that applies to all employees, and patients. In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Aca Section 1557 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the Center does not discriminate against any individual who presents for care or employment on the grounds of: race, color, national origin, ancestry/ethnic group, age, gender/sex, gender expression, sexual orientation/preference, religious creed, disability, marital or veteran status, health status (to include but not limited to mental or physical disability or medical condition, genetic information, claims experience, medical history, evidence of insurability, and conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence), or sexual orientation. For employees: Equal pay for both men and women.
 

At no time will any individual, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination in the provision of any care services provided or employment opportunities at the Center. This information is provided to the patient’s and their families through the Patient Rights and Responsibilities brochure and the Patient and Family Guide. Staff members are informed of the facility’s nondiscrimination policies through annual in-services regarding Patient Rights and Responsibilities and through Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE) information. Staff is required to sign notification of receipt of the facility’s non-discrimination policy. OSCI is required as indicated by Chapter 51, 51.13 (3) is demonstrated by the addition of posting the Center’s non- discrimination policy to the facility website and OSCI location.

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Section 1557 is the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs or activities. Section 1557 builds on longstanding and familiar Federal civil rights laws: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Section 1557 extends nondiscrimination protections to individuals participating in: Any health program or activity any part of which received funding from HHS, Any health program or activity that HHS itself administers, Health Insurance Marketplaces and all plans offered by issuers that participate in those Marketplaces.

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For individuals with disabilities, OSCI will make all programs and activities provided through electronic and information technology accessible; to ensure the physical accessibility of newly constructed or altered facilities; and to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities. OSCI is also prohibited from using marketing practices or benefit designs that discriminate on the basis of disability and other prohibited bases. OSCI will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to each individual with limited English proficiency eligible to be served or likely to be encountered in their health programs and activities. The final rule on Section 1557 does not include a religious exemption; however, the final rule does not displace existing protections for religious freedom and conscience.

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Any person who believes someone has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability may file a grievance under this procedure. The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from pursuing other legal or administrative remedies.

 

Ophthalmology Surgery Center, Inc. Harrisburg, PA 17104