Office for Civil Rights

Fact Sheet - Know Your Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
Washington, D.C.

KNOW YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS

DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW

You cannot be denied benefits and services in programs and activities funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) because of:

Race
National Origin
Age
Religion
Color
Sex
Handicap

Some of the institutions, programs and service providers that may receive funds from DHHS are:

Extended care facilities;
Nursing homes;
Hospitals;
State agencies that are responsible for administering health care;
Medicaid;
Community mental health centers;
Alcohol and drug treatment centers;
Family health centers and clinics;
Physicians and other health care professionals in private practice with patients assisted by Medicaid;
State and local public assistance agencies;
Adoption agencies;
Foster care homes;
Day care centers;
Senior citizen centers; and
Nutrition programs.

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT OF DISCRIMINATION

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, or religion, by an entity receiving financial assistance from DHHS, you or your representative may file a complaint with OCR. Complaints usually must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory act. (OCR may extend the 180-period if good cause is shown.)

Include the following information in your complaint, or request a Discrimination Complaint Form from OCR:

Your name, address, and telephone number. You must sign your name. (If you file a complaint on someone's behalf, include your name, address, telephone number, and statement of your relationship to that person--e.g., spouse, attorney, friend, etc.)
Name and address to the institution or agency you believe discriminated against you.
Any other relevant information. Send the complaint to the appropriate regional office or OCR headquarters. For further information, contact the OCR regional office in your State or Territory, or the OCR headquarters office.

HEADQUARTERS

Director
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
330 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C.

Hotlines:

863-0100 (voice, Metro area) * 863-0101 (TDD, Metro area)
1-800-368-1019 (voice, outside Washington area) * 1-800-863-0101 (TDD, outside Washington area)

DHHS REGIONAL OFFICES FOR CIVIL RIGHTS (Address inquiries to the OCR Regional Manager)

Last revised: June 4, 1997

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