This section is a civil rights provision that prohibits discrimination in health care programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. It specifically protects patients from discrimination based on:
- Race, color, or national origin
- Age
- Disability
- Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)
Why it matters for your website
For healthcare providers (like dental or medical practices), Section 1557 usually means you must:
- Post a nondiscrimination notice – stating that you do not discriminate based on the categories above.
- Provide information on language assistance services – such as interpreter services for patients with limited English proficiency.
- Ensure accessibility – making sure your services and website are accessible to people with disabilities.
Many practices include a “Non-Discrimination Notice” page or footer link on their website to comply. It typically lists patients’ rights under Section 1557 and how they can file a grievance if they feel discriminated against.
Nondiscrimination & Accessibility Notice (Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act)
Kirkwood Dental Associates complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
We:
- Provide free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively (such as qualified sign language interpreters, written information in other formats).
- Provide free language services to people whose primary language is not English (such as qualified interpreters and information written in other languages).
If you need these services, contact:
Civil Rights Coordinator
Rachel Brewster
302-994-2582
Brewster@MyKWDental.com
Filing a Complaint
If you believe that Kirkwood Dental Associates has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with:
Civil Rights Coordinator
Rachel Brewster
302-994-2582
Brewster@MyKWDental.com
You can also file a civil rights complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights:
- Online: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf
- Phone: 1-800-368-1019
- TDD: 1-800-537-7697