CHRISTUS Health, HHS reach settlement following complaints by deaf patients

A Texas-based healthcare company reached a voluntary resolution agreement with HHS and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) on January 16 regarding allegations that it had failed to provide effective communication to hearing-impaired patients.

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System (CHRISTUS TMF), a faith-based, non-profit organization that includes six hospitals and over 30 clinics and outpatient centers in Texas, was under compliance review following multiple complaints by patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. The review was initiated when a patient alleged that a CHRISTUS TMF clinic and hospital failed to provide adequate or timely interpreter services despite multiple requests. Other patients then voiced similar concerns.

Following OCR’s investigation and review, CHRISTUS TMF agreed to take steps to improve its policies and procedures for assisting hearing-impaired patients, HHS announced.

The company agreed to perform communication assessments at patient intake and regularly reassess communication effectiveness. CHRISTUS TMF will also improve and upgrade its process for providing qualified interpreters, as well as hold annual staff training.

The agreement does not constitute an admission of liability by CHRISTUS TMF, according to HHS.