1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 97-826 AUpdated July 8, 2004Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Requirements Concerning the Provision ofInterpreters by Hospitals and DoctorsNancy Lee JonesLegislative AttorneyAmerica
2、n Law DivisionSummaryThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., prohibitsdiscrimination against individuals with disabilities by places of public accommodations.A common question concerning the ADA is whether this prohibition requires medicaldoctors and hospitals to provide
3、an interpreter when they have a patient with a hearingdisability. This requirement varies depending upon the situation presented but situationsmay arise where there is an obligation to provide an interpreter. This report will beupdated as appropriate. For a more detailed discussion of the ADA see Jo
4、nes, TheAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Statutory Language and Recent Issues, CRSReport 98-921.Statutory LanguageTitle III of the ADA, section 302, 42 U.S.C. 12182, provides generally that “noindividual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equalenjoyment o