Clearinghouse coding complete
This case involved allegations of discrimination based on disability in administering healthcare services at the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ). The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) opened an investigation into ACJ under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The investigation was initiated following allegations that while an individual was incarcerated, the ACJ refused to provide him with methadone, even though he was receiving methadone treatment through a licensed provider for opioid use disorder (OUD). On November 30, 2023, the DOJ announced that the parties had reached a settlement agreement, which would go into effect on December 1, 2023.
Allegheny County, operating ACJ, as a "public entity" under the ADA, was responsible for ensuring that its services, including healthcare, do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities, including those with OUD. The investigation revealed that the county did not provide methadone to nonpregnant individuals with OUD for whom it was medically appropriate, except in cases where the individuals were pregnant and had been receiving such treatment before incarceration. This was seen as a violation of the ADA, as it denied these individuals the benefits of Allegheny County's services, programs, or activities on the basis of disability.
The settlement agreement outlined specific actions Allegheny County must undertake to address these findings. Key provisions included the requirement for the county to contract with a licensed opioid treatment provider to initiate methadone treatment for incarcerated individuals with OUD where medically appropriate within six months. It also mandated policy revisions to ensure that all individuals with OUD receive necessary FDA-approved medications, prohibited using incentives to influence treatment choices, and mandated training on ADA compliance for county employees involved in administering OUD medications.
Additionally, the agreement specified the need for Allegheny County to report complaints of discrimination, provide specific relief to the complainant, including a compensatory payment, and allow for compliance monitoring by the United States. The terms of the agreement were set to last for three years from December 1, 2023.
Summary Authors
(3/25/2024)
State / Territory: Pennsylvania
Case Type(s):
Public Benefits/Government Services
Key Dates
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The Department of Justice (DOJ), acting to enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by investigating and resolving allegations of disability-based discrimination in healthcare services at Allegheny County Jail.
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
ALLEGHENY COUNTY (Allegheny), County
Defendant Type(s):
Facility Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Content of Injunction:
Develop anti-discrimination policy
Order Duration: 2023 - 2026
Issues
General/Misc.:
Access to public accommodations - governmental
Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)
Disability and Disability Rights:
Discrimination Basis:
Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)
Medical/Mental Health Care: