Deadline for ASC nondiscrimination requirements is Oct 19

Editor's Note

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) must comply with nondiscrimination requirements in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act by October 19, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association announced on September 28.

The Act prohibits sex discrimination and requires language assistance for those with limited English proficiency and effective communication for patients with disabilities.

Notice of the patient's rights must be explained in a language and manner that the patient or his/her surrogate understands. Covered entities are required use qualified interpreters and translators. Third party vendors are permitted to interpret, but those vendors will now have to comply with these requirements.