U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following announcement on Jan. 16.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital (MGSH) announced the successful conciliation and settlement of a charge filed with the agency under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC reached a voluntary resolution with the employer through the agency's conciliation process following its investigation findings. MGSH did not admit to any wrongdoing or fault in violation of the statute.
In addition to monetary and non-monetary relief, MGSH agreed to provide training to employees concerning the ADA and leave policies administered by its third-party vendors, post notices to all employees, and consent to a two-year monitoring period. The EEOC acknowledges the employer's cooperation with the EEOC in its investigation of the matter. MGSH agreed to affirm its commitment to compliance with the ADA and equal employment opportunity laws.
The ADA prohibits workplace discrimination based on disability and requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation, including leave, to individuals with disabilities, unless it would pose an undue hardship.
"MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital has shown its commitment to complying with the ADA by resolving this matter voluntary with the EEOC," said Baltimore Field Office Director Rosemarie Rhodes. "This agreement ensures that the hospital's leave policies, including those administered by third-party vendors, will comply with the ADA."
Philadelphia District Director Jamie R. Williamson added, "We commend MedStar Good Samaritan for resolving this issue expeditiously once it was brought to their attention. We encourage all employers to be proactive and review their policies and procedures so employees who need a reasonable accommodation will receive what they are entitled to under federal law."
The EEOC's Baltimore Field Office is one of four offices in the EEOC's Philadelphia District Office, which has jurisdiction over Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and parts of New Jersey and Ohio.
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