Baylor Genetics Section 1557 Grievance Procedure
It is the policy of Baylor Genetics (BG) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age or disability. BG has established an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (42 USC 18116) and its implementing regulations at 45 CFR Part 92, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
Any person who believes someone has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability may file a grievance under this procedure.
Procedure
- Grievances must be submitted to BG’s Section 1557 Coordinator within 60 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
Baylor Genetics
Atten: Section 1557 Coordinator
2450 Holcombe Blvd, Suite 2210
Phone: 1-281-849-6995
Fax: 1-800-434-9850
TTY: 711
[email protected]
- A grievance must be in writing, containing the name and contact information of the person filing it. The grievance must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory, the date it is alleged to have occurred, and the remedy or relief sought.
- The BG Section 1557 Coordinator will investigate the grievance. This investigation may be informal, but will be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the grievance.
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- To the extent possible, and in accordance with applicable law, the BG Section 1557 Coordinator will take appropriate steps to maintain the confidentiality of files and records relating to the grievance and will share them only with those who have a need to know.
- The BG Section 1557 Coordinator will issue a written decision, based on a preponderance of the evidence, no later than 30 days from the date the grievance is received by BG. The decision will include the resolution date and a notice to the person filing the grievance of their right to pursue further administrative or legal remedies.
- The person filing the grievance may appeal the written decision of the Section 1557 Coordinator by writing to the BG Chief Legal Officer (CLO) within fifteen (15) days of receiving the Section 1557 Coordinator’s decision. The BG CLO shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than thirty (30) days after its filing.
The availability and use of the BG grievance procedure does not prevent a person from pursuing other legal or administrative remedies, including filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in court or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A person can file a complaint of discrimination electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf, or by mail or phone at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-800-368-1019; TDD: 1-800-537-7697
Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
BG will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities are provided reasonable modifications, appropriate auxiliar aids and services, or language assistance services, if needed to participate in the grievance process. They may include, but are not limited to, providing qualified interpreters, taped cassettes of material for individuals with low vision or other reasonable accommodation without cost to individuals to ensure they have an equal opportunity to participate in the grievance process. The BG Section 1557 Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.