HHS Office for Civil Rights

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 The unpublished version of the rule is available online and the rule will be formally published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024.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.