FEDERAL RIGHTS TO INTERPRETER SERVICES (GENERAL INFO)
Under the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, limited English proficient speakers (LEP) cannot be discriminated against in accessing public health, human and social services. This means state agencies, institutions and service providers receiving government funds are mandated to provide for interpreter services in a reasonable manner to consumers who are considered to be LEP.
TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL
RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
Rights in Health and Human Service Programs
WHAT IS THE OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS?
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) enforces Federal laws that prohibit discrimination by health care and human service providers that receive funds from DHHS. One such law is Title Vl of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
Washington,D.C. 20201
Title Vl of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a national law that protects persons from discrimination based on their race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance.
If you are eligible for health care, public assistance, or other social services, you cannot be denied these benefits because of your race, color or national origin. That's the law. This Fact Sheet explains your rights under Title Vl.
Regardless of your race, color or national origin, if you meet the program eligibility requirements, you have the right to participate in:
- Health Care Services, such as prenatal care, hospital inpatient care and long-term care;
- Social Services, such as senior citizen activities and youth services; and
- Any other program services or benefits that receive Federal financial assistance.
- Some of the institutions or programs that may be covered by Title Vl are:
- extended care facilities
- public assistance programs
- nursing homes
- adoption agencies
- hospitals
- day care centers
- mental health centers
- senior citizen centers
- Medicaid
- family health centers and clinics
- alcohol and drug treatment centers
HOW DOES TITLE VI DEFINE "DISCRIMINATION"?
There are many forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color or national origin which frequently limit the opportunity of minorities to gain equal access to services. Common discriminatory practices are identified in the DHHS Title Vl regulations found at 45 CFR Part 80. These include:
- Denying service, financial aid or other benefit provided as a part of health or social service programs;
- Providing a different service, financial aid or other benefit, or providing these in a different manner from those provided to others under the program; and
- Segregating or separately treating individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any service, financial aid or other benefit. . .
HOW DO I FILE A TITLE VI COMPLAINT?
If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your handicap, you may file a complaint with OCR within 180 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory act. (OCR may extend the 180-day period if good cause is shown.) Include the following information in your complaint, or request a Discrimination Complaint Form from OCR:
- Your name, address and telephone number. You must sign your name. (If you file a complaint on someone's behalf, include your name, address, telephone number, and statement of your relationship to that person e.g., spouse, attorney, friend, etc.)
- Name and address of the institution or agency you believe discriminated against you.
- How, why and when you believe you were discriminated against.
- Any other relevant information.
Send the complaint to the OCR regional office :
Region I Boston (New England)
Caroline Chang (Regional Manager)
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Government Center
JFK Building Room 1875
Boston, MA 02203Tel: 617-565-1340 Fax: 617-565-3809