DisabilityInfo.gov: Civil Rights: Health Laws & Regulations

Provides information on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for businesses and state and local governments; technical assistance materials and updates on new ADA requirements.

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The Commission's mission is to promote the ABA's commitment to justice and the rule of law for persons with mental, physical and sensory disabilities and to promote their full and equal participation in the legal profession.

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Fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with answers to common questions regarding the ADA.

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The U.S. Department of Justice provides information about the ADA through a toll-free information line (1-800-514-0301). This service permits businesses, state and local governments and others to ask questions about general or specific ADA requirements and order ADA technical assistance materials.

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Information from the U.S. Department of Labor concerning sections of the ADA that prohibit discrimination in employer-provided health insurance.

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Discusses the procedures for resolving ADA complaints through the U.S. Department of Justice Mediation Program.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) fact sheet addresses common questions regarding the ADA in relation to cancer.

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Guidance and enforcement information from the the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

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2005 report from the National Council on Disability regarding the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, which was passed in 1980 to enable the Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the rights of people residing in state institutions.

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Information and resources from the National Organization on Disability on increasing alternatives to institutional services and other issues related to community-based services and legislation.

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Shortcuts to information and services the U.S. Department of Labor offers concerning the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and other health insurance issues.

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Information on the responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in enforcing federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination.

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Conducts enforcement, certification, regulatory, coordination and technical assistance activities required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Learn about the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, two major disability compensation programs for work-related injury or occupational disease.

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A national law and policy center dedicated to protecting and advancing civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance and education of attorneys, advocates, persons with disabilities and parents.

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Discussions of evaluating and choosing a facility, generating family consensus, resident rights, and dispute resolution in nursing home selection.

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Fact sheet from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) explaining how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) might apply to particular situations involving job applicants and employees in the health care field.

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Information on New Freedom Initiative efforts from the White House Web site.

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Fact sheet from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding epilepsy in the workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Proposed regulations implementing section 411 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act), which substantially amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act with a new section restricting the circumstances under which consumer reporting agencies may furnish consumer reports that contain medical information about consumers.

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Provides information on the FMLA, which allows employees to balance their work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for certain reasons.

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Information on filing a discrimination complaint with HHS' Office for Civil Rights, including how to obtain a discrimation complaint form.

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Overview of 11 federal laws and links to federal agencies to contact for more information.

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Information on developing guidelines for making health venues, events and facilities accessible to people with disabilities.

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Information on how to file a complaint if you have been discriminated against by a state or local social services, by a health services agency or by a hospital receiving federal funds.

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Protects and improves the portability and continuity of health insurance coverage and requires that most health plans provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions after 12 months.

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Information on how HIPAA regulations affect practices for community treatment providers, consumers, single state agencies, public and private payers of alcohol, substance abuse and mental health services and professional and trade associations.

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Based at the University of Iowa College of Law, the Center is an emerging leader in law, technology, education and research and is focused on improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

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Fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides information regarding the rights of employees who are injured or disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

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Information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding implementation of MMA benefits and reforms. Reforms under the MMA include more affordable health care, prescription drug coverage to all people with Medicare, expanded health plan options, improved health care access for rural Americans and preventive care services.

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Shortcuts to information and services the U.S. Department of Labor offers concerning mental health issues, including the Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA).

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Information on the MHPA, which provides regulations regarding mental health benefits under group health plans.

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Publications and links regarding mental health parity.

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Full text of President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative, which addresses assistive and universal technologies, educational opportunities, homeownership, integration into the workforce, transportation options and full access to community life.

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Choose your state from the drop-down menu on this Web page to find contact information for your state protection and advocacy agency (P&A). P&As are federally mandated non-profit organizations that provide individuals with disabilities and/or mental illness free assistance in making sure their rights to education, employment opportunities and other services are not violated.

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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance on enforcing ADA provisions as they relate to psychiatric disabilities.

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Find, review and submit comments on federal documents that are open for comment and published in the Federal Register, the government's legal newspaper.

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Information on a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) center that works to counter stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness by gathering information and research and providing technical assistance and support.

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Information on the rights of people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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Information on health care rights and options and links to other online publications to help make health care decisions.

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Information on rights covered under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.

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