SPOKANE, Wash. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington has settled with Inland Northwest Behavioral Health regarding alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Inland Northwest Behavioral Health will implement remedial measures over the next two years and pay $10,000 in compensatory damages. The case arose from a former patient’s claims that he was improperly asked to provide documentation for a service animal, was not allowed to have indoor visitations with the animal, and was segregated from other patients while using it.
The press release stated that Inland Northwest Behavioral Health cooperated fully with the investigation and is committed to taking steps to ensure compliance with the ADA. As part of the settlement, the organization will:
– Implement a written Title III ADA service animal policy.
– Require annual employee training on ADA requirements.
– Post notices in the facility to inform patients and employees that service animals are welcome.
– Submit annual compliance reports to the United States Attorney’s Office for the next two years and self-report any allegations of ADA violations for investigation.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act provides individuals many protections, including the use of service animals. This agreement compels Inland Northwest Behavioral Health to take steps to ensure this right is protected for individuals in the future,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.
