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AFC Urgent Care in Norwalk came under file after an ADA complaint was filed by the parent of a child with developmental disabilities, United States Attorney John Durham said. The complaint alleged that a doctor at AFC Urgent Care Norwalk refused to provide the child with a school physical based on the doctor’s determination that the child’s developmental disability made him too medically complex to be seen at an urgent care facility.
Durham said that under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including professional offices of healthcare providers, hospitals, and other service establishments are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, AFC Urgent Care Norwalk will submit a nondiscrimination policy to be approved by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Once approved, AFC Urgent Care Norwalk will post the nondiscrimination policy on its website and will also physically post the policy in public view at AFC Urgent Care Norwalk's office, which is located on Main Avenue.
Additionally, AFC Urgent Care Norwalk will train its staff members on Title III of the ADA and the new nondiscrimination policy. They will also pay a $2,500 fine to the mother who levied the initial complaint.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures that individuals are able to access places of public accommodation in Connecticut, including medical services at doctors’ offices, hospitals, urgent care and other healthcare facilities,” Durham said. “AFC Urgent Care Norwalk has fully cooperated throughout our investigation and has made clear its commitment going forward to comply in all respects with the ADA.”
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