Discrimination is Against the Law
It is the policy of the Agency of Human Services (AHS) and its departments, including the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, marital/familial status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy status, place of birth, crime victim status, military, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status. AHS has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18116) and its implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 92, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex in certain health programs and activities. Section 1557 and its implementing regulations may be examined in the office of the Secretary of Human Services, 280 State Drive, HC 1 North, Waterbury, VT 05671-1080; Phone number 1-802-241-0440. AHS.Secretary@vermont.gov, who has been designated to coordinate the efforts of AHS to comply with Section 1557.
Any person who believes someone has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for AHS and its departments to retaliate against anyone who opposes discrimination, files a grievance, or participates in the investigation of a grievance.
Procedure:
- Grievances must be submitted to the AHS Secretary's office within 60 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
- A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. The AHS Secretary's Office will provide assistance to anyone requesting help filing a complaint.
- The AHS Secretary's Office, or his/her designee, shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it will be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.
- The Health Program Civil Rights Coordinator will maintain the files and records relating to such grievances. To the extent possible, and in accordance with applicable law, the Health Program Civil Rights Coordinator will take appropriate steps to preserve the confidentiality of files and records relating to grievances and will share them only with those who have a need to know.
- The Health Program Civil Rights Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance, based on a preponderance of the evidence, no later than 30 days after its filing, including a notice to the complainant of their right to pursue further administrative or legal remedies.
- The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the Health Program Civil Rights Coordinator by writing to the Commissioner of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, at Commissioner’s Office, Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, HC 2 South, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-2020, within 15 days of the date of the Health Program Civil Rights Coordinator’s decision. The Commissioner, or his/her designee, shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.
- The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from pursuing other legal or administrative remedies, including filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in court or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. A person can file a complaint of discrimination electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, which is available at: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW., Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, DC 20201 1-800-868-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD).
- Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html. Such complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination.
- AHS and its departments provide free aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in other formats (e.g., large print, audio, accessible electronic formats), to people with disabilities, so they can work with us more easily. If you need these services call 1-855-899-9600 (TTY: 711).
1.11 Agency of Human Services Nondiscrimination Policy/Grievance Policy
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et Seq., 28 C.F.R. Part 35)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29U.S.C. 794, 45 C.F.R. Part 84)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d et Seq., 45 C.F.R. Part 80)
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., 45 C.F.R. Part 86)
Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 u.s:c. 6101 et Seq., 42 C.F.R. Part 91)
Public Accommodations (9 V.S.C. 4501 et. seq.)
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