Settlement Reached Between McLaren and U.S. Attorney’s Office

McLaren Health Care Corporation has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan to resolve an investigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The investigation began because of complaints about McLaren’s provision of auxiliary aids and services for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals at its facilities. DOJ officials say McLaren, which operates hospitals and health centers across Michigan, cooperated fully with the investigation.

Under the settlement, McLaren will provide auxiliary aids and services free of charge to ensure effective communication with patients and their companions, consistent with ADA requirements. The agreement also includes $220,000 in monetary relief for 14 affected individuals. McLaren will review and update its policies, increase signage about the availability of services, and contract with additional vendors to provide both virtual and in-person interpretive services.

Staff will be trained on the updated policies, and McLaren will be required report future complaints to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.