Non-Discrimination Policy

It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Wellstar has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18116) and its implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 92, issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. Section 1557 and its implementing regulations may be examined in our Compliance Office.

Any person who believes someone has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age or disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for Wellstar to retaliate against anyone who opposes discrimination, files a grievance, or participates in the investigation of a grievance.

How to Submit a Grievance Claim

If you believe that Wellstar has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, gender identity and/or expression or on the basis of any other type of discrimination prohibited by law you can file a grievance with the Civil Rights Compliance Director through:

• Grievances must be submitted to the Civil Rights Compliance Director within 60 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
• A grievance should be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.
• The Civil Rights Compliance Director (or their designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it will be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.
• The Civil Rights Compliance Director will maintain the files and records relating to such grievances. To the extent possible, and in accordance with applicable law, Civil Rights Compliance Director will take appropriate steps to preserve the confidentiality of files and records relating to grievances and will share them only with those who have a need to know.
• The Civil Rights Compliance Director will issue a written decision on the grievance, based on a preponderance of the evidence, no later than 30 days after its filing, including a notice to the complainant of their right to pursue further administrative or legal remedies. The investigation and resolution of the grievance may require additional time and the Civil Rights Compliance Director may reasonably extend such period.
• The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the Civil Rights Compliance Director by writing to the Chief Compliance Officer within 15 days of receiving the Civil Rights Compliance Director’s decision.

The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from pursuing other legal or administrative remedies, including filing a complaint of discrimination with the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. A person can file a compliant of discrimination through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, or by mail or phone at:

Complaint forms are available on their website. Such complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination.

Compliance Hotline

If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the Compliance Hotline at 1 (888) 800-5094. You may also access the website submission form and elect to remain anonymous. If you need help filing a grievance, contact the Civil Rights Compliance Director who will assist you.

Aid and Communication Services

Wellstar provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate more effectively with us.

• If you need sign language services, our qualified interpreters are available. Please call (770) 531-0700.
• If you need any written information in other formats (large print, audio or other accessible formats).
• If your primary language is not English, we provide language services such as qualified interpreters and information written in other languages; if you need interpretation services, contact 1 (888) 768-3556 (93557827#).

Wellstar will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency are provided auxiliary aids and services or language assistance services, respectively, if needed to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing qualified interpreters, providing taped cassettes of material for individuals with low vision, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Civil Rights Compliance Director will be responsible for such arrangements.