Healthcare Providers

“Because communication is a cornerstone of patient safety and quality care, every patient has the right to receive information in a manner he or she understands. Effective communication allows patients to participate more fully in their care. When a patient understands what is being said about his or her care, treatment, and services, that patient is more likely to fulfill critical health care responsibilities. Communicating effectively with patients is also critical to the informed consent process and helps practitioners and hospitals give the best possible care.“
— The Joint Commission Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals , “Rights and Responsibilities of the Individual” Chapter, Introduction to Standard R1.01.03 (2019)

For reference, view the following letters, articles and DOJ press releases relative to effective communications in healthcare settings:

The Joint Commission Journal on Quality & Patient Safety 2020: “Time to Take Hearing Loss Seriously” (2020)

A Road Map for Hospitals: “Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and
Patient- and Family-Centered Care“

Article: Emergency Department Challenges for the Hard of Hearing (April 2024 – The Hearing Journal)

Letter & Meeting Invitation from Steven Gordon, Assistant US Attorney (April 2023) “Pursuant to the ADA, healthcare providers are required to ensure that communication with people with disabilities is as effective as communication with people without disabilities.” DOJ Press Release (April 14, 2023) PDF >>

Letter to Healthcare Providers from the National Association of the Deaf (2020). “The National Association of the Deaf (“NAD”) seeks to ensure that all healthcare providers, including doctor’s offices and hospitals, understand their legal obligations with respect to serving deaf and hard of hearing patients and companions…Healthcare providers must furnish (that is, obtain and pay for) any auxiliary aid or service that is necessary to achieve effective communication with the deaf or hard of hearing patient or companion of a patient. See 42 U.S.C. § 12182(b)(A).”