Filed Date: Jan. 30, 2024
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
On January 30, 2024. the United States of America filed this lawsuit against MedStar Health, Inc. (“MedStar”) in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The United States alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, MedStar, the largest healthcare provider in Maryland and Washington, D.C., repeatedly denied non-patient support persons for people with disabilities access to their hospitals. The United States sought injunctive relief in the form of MedStar modifying its policies, practices, and procedures and compensatory damages for MedStar’s violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A joint motion for a consent decree was filed on January 30, 2024, and District Judge Julie R. Rubin approved the consent decree on February 5, 2024. In the consent decree, MedStar agreed to update its policies and have affiliated individuals complete ADA training. They also agreed to pay $440,000 into a Qualified Settlement Fund for DOJ and affected individuals. The United States is able to review MedStar’s compliance with the consent decree at any point during the effective period by requesting information or documentation, and the consent decree is effective for three years from the date of approval. As of May 28, 2025, this case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Jacquelynn Gutierrez (5/28/2025)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68210602/parties/united-states-v-medstar-health-inc/
Marquardt, Sarah A (Maryland)
Estevez, Anne Marie (Maryland)
Harvey, Patrick Alan (Maryland)
Joseph, Beth S (Maryland)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68210602/united-states-v-medstar-health-inc/
Last updated Aug. 31, 2025, 9:28 p.m.
State / Territory: Maryland
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
Key Dates
Filing Date: Jan. 30, 2024
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States of America
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
MedStar Health, Inc., Private Entity/Person
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:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree
Content of Injunction:
Develop anti-discrimination policy
Amount Defendant Pays: $440,000
Order Duration: 2024 - None
Issues
Disability and Disability Rights:
Intellectual/developmental disability, unspecified
Discrimination Area:
Discrimination Basis: