Laws & Regulations

Provides information on rights and obligations under federal disability laws, including an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The entire publication can be downloaded in PDF format.

Answers to common questions about the ADA.

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.

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

A final rule that would allow more Medicaid beneficiaries to be in charge of their own personal assistance services, including personal care services, instead of having those services directed by an agency, has been issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The final rule becomes effective November 3, 2008.

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

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.

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

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.

This document provides the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on pre-employment disability-related questions and medical examinations.

Details the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) position on the interaction between Title I of the ADA and state workers' compensation laws.

Fact sheet regarding epilepsy in the workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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.

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

Provides a brief overview of 11 federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities and provides information about the federal agencies to contact for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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

USCIS Form N-648 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for applicants seeking an exception from the English and U.S. history and government (civics) requirements for naturalization based on physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

A brief outline of aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 related to employees and drug and alcohol abuse.

Provides information and addresses misconceptions regarding hiring people recovering from substance abuse.

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

Fact sheet from the Department of Health and Human Services on the rights of people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. This link opens a PDF document.

Fact sheet from the Department of Health and Human Services on the rights of people with disabilities covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This link opens a PDF document.