Adams School of Dentistry: Policy on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities

Title

Adams School of Dentistry: Policy on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities

I. Introduction

A. Purpose

This Policy establishes the UNC Adams School of Dentistry’s commitment to non-discrimination in the delivery of patient care in accordance with Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 92.

B. Scope

This Policy applies to all Adams School of Dentistry personnel.

II. Policy

The Adams School of Dentistry is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients. Consistent with this principle and in accordance with applicable laws, the Adams School of Dentistry does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex in its health programs and activities. The School does not exclude people or treat them differently on account of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Any such discrimination is fundamentally incompatible with the School’s mission, vision, and values, and is expressly prohibited by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and its implementing regulations.

The School shall:

1. designate a Section 1557 Coordinator to carry out its responsibilities under Section 1557 and under this Policy.
2. maintain a grievance procedure to address Section 1557 grievances in a manner that incorporates appropriate due process standards and provides for the prompt and equitable resolution of such grievances.
3. provide auxiliary aids and services, free of charge and in a timely manner, to any patient requiring communication assistance in order to ensure equal access to our health services:
   1. for persons with disabilities, free aids and services shall include qualified sign language interpretation, alternative formats of written information, and appropriate assistance from qualified staff
   2. for persons whose primary language is not English, free aids and services shall include qualified oral interpretation, qualified translations of written information, and appropriate assistance from qualified staff
4. publish notice of its commitment to non-discrimination on its website, in conspicuous physical locations throughout the School visible to the public, and by any other appropriate methods as required by law.

III. Related Requirements

A.External Regulations and Consequences

1. Section 1557: Protecting Individuals Against Sex Discrimination
2. Section 1557: Ensuring Effective Communication with and Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities
3. Section 1557: Ensuring Meaningful Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency
4. Final Rule on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities
5. UNC-Chapel Hill: Policy on Non-Discrimination for Program Participants
6. UNC-Chapel Hill: Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct

 B. Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures

1. Adams School of Dentistry: Procedure for Resolving Grievances
2. Adams School of Dentistry: Language Access Standard

IV. Contact Information