Disability Rights California Calls on State Policy Makers and Healthcare Providers to Stop Deadly Discrimination Against People with Disabilities Before It Starts

Press Release

Disability Rights California Calls on State Policy Makers and Healthcare Providers to Stop Deadly Discrimination Against People with Disabilities Before It Starts

(Sacramento, CA ) Today, Disability Rights California issues an open letter to call upon state policy makers and healthcare providers to ensure individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against in response to COVID-19 by denying them medical care.

Yesterday, Disability Rights Washington filed a federal discrimination complaint against the Washington State policies, asking the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to step in.   

The Washington Department of Health recommended triage teams to consider transferring hospital patients with “loss of reserves in energy, physical ability, cognition, and general health” to outpatient or palliative care, rather than continuing to treat them.

The COVID-19 triage policy for the University of Washington Medical Center instructs doctors to not do what is best for their individual patients with disabilities.

 

 

As California readies for the COVID-19 surge, we call upon California’s policy makers to make clear and medical providers to act now to stop deadly discrimination against people with disabilities before it starts.  During this time of crisis, we need to stand together and protect and value equally the lives of all Californians.

For the full open letter visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/post/disability-rights-california-calls-upon-state-policy-makers-and-medical-providers-to-act-now

Media Contacts:

Melody Pomraning
Communications Director
Disability Rights California
916-504-5938
Melody.Pomraning@disabilityrightsca.org

 

 

Disability Rights California (DRC) - Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of DRC is to advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.