Section 1557

Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic complies with all applicable federal civil rights laws, including Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557). Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), age, disability, or sex (consistent with the scope of sex discrimination described at 45 CFR § 92.101(a)(2)) including sexual orientation; gender identity, and sex stereotypes)
In compliance with Section 1557 and other federal civil rights laws, we provide individuals with the following in a timely manner and free of charge:

* Language assistance services. Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic will provide language assistance services for individuals with limited English proficiency (including individuals’ companions with limited English proficiency) to ensure meaningful access to our programs, activities, services, and other benefits. Language assistance services may include:
* Electronic and written translated documents
* Qualified interpreters

* Appropriate auxiliary aids and services. Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic will provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities (including individuals’ companions with disabilities) to ensure effective communication. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services may include:
* Qualified interpreters, including American Sign Language interpreters
* Video remote interpreting
* Information in alternate formats (including but not limited to large print, electronic formats)

* Reasonable modifications. Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic will provide reasonable modifications for qualified individuals with disabilities, when necessary to ensure accessibility and equal opportunity to participate in our programs, activities, services, or other benefits.

To access our language assistance services, auxiliary aids and services, and for assistance in getting a reasonable modification, please refer to Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic Auxiliary Aids and Services policy and Notice of Program Accessibility policy.
For additional assistance, you may also contact
Chris Solgat RN, BSN, CRHCP
Clinic Director/ Section 1557 Coordinator
1 Jack Foster Dr
Shenandoah, IA 51601
P: 712-246-7347
F: 712-246-7334

Procedure:
If you believe Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic has failed to provide these services or has discriminated in another way because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, you can:

* Grievances must be submitted using the form located at the end of this policy to the above Section 1557 Coordinator within 60 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
* A grievance should generally be in writing, containing the name and contact information of the person filing it as well as the alleged discriminatory action and alleged basis (or bases) of discrimination, the date the grievance was filed, and any other pertinent information.
* When a grievance includes allegations that would violate Section 1557, the Section 1557 Coordinator (or their designee) shall investigate the grievance. This investigation may be informal, but it will be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the grievance.
* Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic shall inform an individual that they have a right to reasonable modifications in the grievance procedure if they need them.
* The Section 1557 Coordinator must keep confidential the identity of an individual who has filed grievance under this part except as required by law or to carry out the purposes of this part, including conducting any investigation, including investigating the grievance.
* Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic will issue to the person who filed the grievance a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing. The decision shall include the resolution date and a notice to the complainant of their right to pursue further administrative or legal remedies.
* Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic will maintain the files and records relating to such grievances for at least three years from the date the Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic resolves the grievance.
* The person filing the grievance may appeal the written decision in writing by sending it to Matt Sells, CEO, within 15 days of receiving the decision. Matt Sells, CEO, shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.
* In the event your complaint remains unsolved with Shenandoah Physicians Clinic, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights:

Electronically: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf
Via mail:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W. – 509F
Washington, D.C. 20201
Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic, through the Section 1557 Coordinator, will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency are provided reasonable modifications, appropriate auxiliary aids and services, or language assistance services, respectively, if needed to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include but are not limited to providing these services in a timely manner and without cost to individuals being served to ensure that individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in the grievance process.
It is against the law for Shenandoah Physician’s Clinic to intimidate, threaten, coerce, retaliate, or otherwise discriminate against anyone who files grievance, or participates in the investigation of a grievance for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Section 1557.