Deaf patients sue hospital, docs

Federal suits allege Hermitage practice, HCA hospital failed to provide adequate interpretation services [Updated with statement from Summit]

Email | Print By J.R. Lind

Updated [6:00 p.m.]: A statement made on behalf of Summit CEO Jeff Whitehorn: "The health, safety and welfare of our patients is our utmost concern. Summit Medical Center is not aware nor have we been served with a complaint regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act."

Two federal lawsuits filed by the Disability Law and Advocacy Center of Tennessee allege deaf patients were denied sign language interpreters by local hospitals in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The first suit names five plaintiffs who claim that Summit Medical Center and the hospital's outpatient provider, Summit Medical Associates, failed to provide interpreters. Joining the hospital and the provider are holding companies TriStar and HCA.

The second suit was filed against Summit Primary Care – unrelated, despite the similar name, to the defendants in the first case, for similar claims. The plaintiffs further claim their medical care was terminated by Summit Primary because of their need for an interpreter.

The ADA requires health care providers to provide effective communication to people with disabilities, including qualified sign language interpreters.

The suits are seeking orders requiring the hospitals and doctors to comply with the ADA requirements and a court order the defendants pay Hearing Bridges, a nonprofit which provides interpretation services, $10,000 for any future violation in the next five years.

"It is ironic that these lawsuits were filed during the anniversary week of the Americans with Disabilities Act," DLAC attorney Martha Lafferty said. "Although much progress has been made due to the ADA, both lawsuits illustrate how much further people with disabilities and their advocates have to go in order to eradicate disability discrimination."