HHS Office for Civil Rights

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a section-by-section fact sheet that provides a detailed overview of the new rule finalized in May. The fact sheet explains HHS' implementing regulation for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The rule reviews issues including discrimination on the basis of disability in accessing medical care; value assessment methods used to determine whether a particular intervention will be provided; nondiscrimination in child welfare programs; information and communication technology; and providing services in an integrated setting appropriate to the person's needs. The fact sheet breaks down each section of the rule.

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) finalized a rule that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance (Section 504) Final Rule provides robust civil rights protections for people with disabilities in federally funded health and human services programs, including Medicaid and OAA programs. The unpublished version of the rule is available online and the rule will be formally published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), joined the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the HHS Office of Civil Rights to produce a report on ensuring beneficiary health and safety in group homes through state implementation of comprehensive compliance oversight. This report serves as a resource for states to use as a part of efforts to ensure that all group homes are safe and healthy places for people with disabilities.