Access to health care for people with disabilities

What are my rights?

If you have a disability, you have the right to equal access to health care. Health care providers must make their services accessible. Federal, state, and local disability rights laws protect people with various disabilities, including physical, psychiatric, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.

How do I file a complaint if I get bad treatment?

You can file a complaint with the New York State Department of Health’s Centralized Hospital Intake program about a doctor’s office or other health care services if there are:

• Medication issues;
• Delays in nursing care;
• Failure to address a change in your condition in a timely manner;
• Concerns with care provided by staff;
• Safety and wellness issues;
• Housekeeping and maintenance issues; or
• Admission or discharge issues.