The final rule implementing Section 1557 of the ACA will be effective October 17, 2016. Below are some frequently asked questions about Section 1557 and links to more info.
What is the history of this rule?
Section 1557 has been in effect since its enactment in 2010 and the HHS Office for Civil Rights has been enforcing the provision since it was enacted. This year the Department of Health and Human Service finalized this rule after completing the public comment process.
What does Section 1557 cover?
Section 1557 is the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs or activities. Section 1557 builds on long-standing and familiar federal civil rights laws.
How does it impact providers?
The final rule prohibits discriminatory practices by health care providers, such as hospitals that accept Medicare or doctors who participate in the Medicaid program.
What is the effective date?
Beginning on October 17, 2016, covered entities will be required to post notices of nondiscrimination and taglines that alert individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) to the availability of language assistance services. In advance of the approaching deadline, the HHS OCR website has been updated with new information to assist covered entities. Click here for translated materials.