Southfield, Mich.-based Beaumont Health reached an agreement with the U.S. Justice Department Nov. 13 to resolve allegations that it failed to provide effective communication to patients who are deaf or hard of hearing, reports the Detroit Free Press.
The department conducted a civil rights investigation after receiving complaints that Troy, Mich.-based William Beaumont Hospital allegedly failed to provide sign language interpreters for deaf patients, despite repeated requests.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan found that the health system did not sufficiently provide auxiliary aids and other services to ensure patients could effectively communicate with staff and participate in medical decisions.
Under the settlement, Beaumont will train staff on the Americans with Disabilities Act and implement auxiliary aids and services, including sign language interpreters, across its three hospitals and 31 affiliated facilities.
Beaumont cooperated with officials during the investigation and denies any ADA violations.
"We are committed to providing equal access to healthcare services for all patients and families, including those who are deaf or have hearing impairments," the hospital said in a statement cited by the Detroit Free Press. "To best serve our patients and families, Beaumont has already taken steps to enhance its policies and procedures for providing appropriate accommodations and entered into an agreement with the government that reinforces our commitment to compliance with the law."