This page provides an overview of both Section 1557 and Section 504 requirements.
Under Section 1557, a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Section 504, a provision of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. They prohibit an individual with a disability from being excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any health program or activity receiving federal financial assistance or is administered by Health & Human Services (HHS).

Any organization receiving federal, or state financial assistance shall provide appropriate auxiliary aids to persons with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills where necessary to afford that individual an equal opportunity to benefit from the service in question.  All health care programs shall ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with other persons, per the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Covered entities are required to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), such as translation services or interpreter services, and are provided free of charge. This ensures that LEP individuals have meaningful access to healthcare services and information.

Covered entities must establish grievance procedures for individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination. The grievance procedures must be accessible, easy to understand, and provide a prompt and equitable resolution.

Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination can file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) through the OCR online portal. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. The OCR investigates complaints and takes enforcement action as appropriate.
Individuals may also file a Civil Rights complaint in writing.
Open and fill out the Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form Package in PDF format. You will need Adobe Reader software to fill out the complaint and consent forms. You may either:

• Print and mail the completed complaint and consent forms to: Centralized Case Management Operations
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200
  Independence Avenue, S.W.
  Room 509F HHH Bldg.
  Washington, D.C. 20201
• Email the completed complaint and consent forms to OCRComplaint@hhs.gov (Please note that communication by unencrypted email presents a risk that personally identifiable information contained in such an email, may be intercepted by unauthorized third parties).
• Email Palomar UC San Diego Health’s 1557 & 504 Coordinator at: Compliance.Officer@PUCSD.org or call our Values line at 800-850-2551, report through our online system at: ClearviewConnects.com.  If you would like to mail a letter, please direct it to:
  Corporate Compliance Officer
  120 Craven Rd, Ste 106
  San Marcos, CA 92078

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for enforcing Sections 1557.and 504.  Covered entities that violate these regulations can be subject to penalties and enforcement actions.

For more information on Sections 1557 and 504 or compliance with these requirements, please visit the HHS OCR website.