August 27, 2020
DREDF and co-counsel Disability Rights California, Justice in Aging, and Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco filed five administrative complaints this morning with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) against five California hospitals who are disregarding the rights of patients with disabilities including older adults with disabilities during Covid-19.
Federal and state disability discrimination laws and existing CDPH guidelines require that a support person who is necessary to the safe and effective care of a disabled patient be permitted to enter hospitals and provide support during Covid-19.
The complaints detail the experiences of several caregivers and supporters of adults with disabilities denied entry by hospital staff. As a result, the complainants were unable to provide essential supports to ensure that their family member or friend was able to receive safe and effective care while hospitalized.
The complaints seek the enforcement of federal and state disability discrimination laws and existing CDPH guidelines to ensure that persons whose support is essential to disabled hospital patients are granted entry to hospitals during COVID-19. In addition, the complaints demand that hospitals publish lawful visitation policies prominently on their websites, and guarantee that staff are trained on and familiar with existing legal requirements.
I’ve been denied all,ssi 21/2 yrs. Without no income,now lost my medical been in mva causing me paralyzed, oy after receiving pain pump taught myself to walk ( long jury) also suffer with mental issues,my husband 29 yrs passed 7 months ago,oroville hospital refused me but tood my dog which is my servant dog & pet 10 yrs. Said I gave her up VERY UNTRUE!! SOLD HER!!
NOW CANT WALKDRIVE,MY BLOOD PRESUURE PROBLY DIE FROM BEING SO DAM HIGH HAD 2 STROKES ALREADY .
IM ABOUT READY TO DIE,CANT & DONT KNOW WHAT OR HOW TO GET HELP???
IM 54YRS. OLD HAVE NO ONE CANT GET MY SSI,MEDICAL OR PAIN PA
UMP FILLED ,CSUSING MY B/ P TO BE OUT OF CONTROL FOR 5 MONTHS NOW,HAVE NO ELECTRICTY,HELP
My 46 year old son has been in and out of hospital since August 2020. I was denied visitation. He has been a residence of an ICF-DD for over 30 years. He is a Regional Center Client. A few days ago I was advised by staff that he has been sent to a Post Acute Nursing home, without my being notified nor was I allowed to give my consent.
I am worried that I am not being given the true reason he is in need of more IV antibiotic treatments. All the info I’ve received centers on him have kidney stones, an infection in his urine. I am soon to be 74 years old, I cry a lot and fear he is sicker than they are telling me. I am worried, filled with anxiety. My son is the result of a doctor’s error, who used high forceps to pull him out of me, after I was over sedated while in labor. I feel the need for someone to know, someone who can advise me and share with them the contacts I have had with various staff members of both the hospital, his residential facility and now the nursing home where he currently resides.
My son is currently in the hospital and being denied support staff! He is non verbal! I was told that they are not allowing any visitors period! I even called his GMC Medical Coordinator with Kaiser with prevail…..This is clearly against their Patient Bill of Rights! He was emitted into the hospital on 8/28 and no one would return my call until today at 3:00pm. I spoke with his doctor and was told again…..No visitors! This is clearly discrimination and against his civil rights!
Hello Wendy Eisenbeisz, I am currently same issue-however, there are laws in place–I hope and pray that your son is Well and in Good Health- I pray you continue to Advocate for your family and yes it is DISCRIMINATION AND YOUR U.S. HEALTH AND HUMAN CIVIL RIGHTS have been VIOLATED;