Settlement is reached in discrimination case

Staff report

ROCK CREEK

Glenbeigh Hospital has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which resolves allegations that the hospital violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to admit an HIV-positive person to its alcohol-treatment program because of the side effects of his HIV medication.

Under terms of the settlement announced last week, Glenbeigh must pay $32,500 to the complainant and $5,000 in civil penalties, train its staff concerning the ADA and develop and implement an anti-discrimination policy.

The Justice Department said it determined that the hospital couldn’t show that treating the complainant would have posed a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

“Those with HIV are entitled to the same services, including medical treatment, as everyone else,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“The ADA does not tolerate HIV discrimination, and neither will the Justice Department,” said Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general for civil rights.

Glenbeigh officials could not be reached to comment.