Andrew Kelley, a former Army medic who suffered back and brain injuries during his service in Iraq, claims he was denied service at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton April 23 because he was accompanied by his service dog, according to NBC 5.
Mr. Kelley said two police officers pulled him aside at the hospital about 10 minutes after he entered the emergency room lobby. He said the officers asked him why he was at the hospital and about his service dog. He claims the hospital refused to treat him as long as his dog was with him, according to the report.
"To question the validity of the service he provides me — not okay," Mr. Kelley told NBC 5. "And then to overall say no, sorry, we can't help you — that's not okay."
Under federal and Texas law, service animals are permitted to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go, including hospitals, according to the report.
Arlington-based Texas Health Resources, which owns Texas Health Presbyterian, said the incident is under review. "The hospital regrets any inconvenience caused to Mr. Kelley and his service dog during their campus visit, and we apologize to Mr. Kelley and his family," the health system said in a statement to NBC 5. "This occurrence does not comport with Texas Health Denton's policies. We will address any opportunities for education and improvement indicated by our review."
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