Civil Rights Special Topics

Effective Communication in Hospitals Initiative is designed to give hospitals the tools, information, and other technical assistance they need to meet communication challenges, consistent with OCR’s mission to ensure that all persons have access to health care without facing unlawful discrimination.

Emergency Preparedness and Response is an issue of national concern. OCR is working closely with other HHS agencies to ensure that civil rights issues are addressed in planning, and has identified helpful information.

Paramedics wheel a patient from an ambulance

HIV/AIDS are conditions that are covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. OCR enforces these Federal civil rights laws which prohibit unlawful discrimination by healthcare and human service providers against people with HIV/AIDS.

Community Service and Olmstead - Serving people with disabilities in the most integrated setting is an important element of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as determined by the Supreme Court in the Olmstead decision and in the New Freedom Initiative.


			Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families. The assistance is time-limited and promotes work, responsibility and self-sufficiency. OCR enforces Federal civil rights laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination against TANF applicants and beneficiaries.