Federal government reaches settlement with Providence nursing center

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Elmhurst Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center settled with the United States Attorney’s Office over allegations that the center failed to use sign language interpreting devices during interactions with a deaf resident.

The private medical center focuses on skilled nursing services and rehabilitation programs in Providence.

Elmhurst will adopt new Americans with Disabilities Act policies and practices, train its staff on those policies, report any future complaints, and agree to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha said Thursday.

“When deaf Rhode Islanders seek medical care, they shouldn’t have to worry whether a lack of legally required interpreter services will keep them from communicating effectively with their healthcare providers,” Cunha said.

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in places of public accommodations, such as medical centers, the office continued.

“Today’s settlement ensures that those services will be provided, as the law requires, for all patients,” Cunha concluded.