In accordance with Section 1557 rules, covered dental practices are required to post two notices: (1) a Notice of Nondiscrimination and (2) Taglines.

These notices must be posted by October 16, 2016.

Notice of Nondiscrimination:

The Notice of Nondiscrimination tells the public that you don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. The Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) has provided a sample Section 1557 Notice.

The ADA has provided a sample nondiscrimination notice specifically for offices who employ less than 15 employees. While the notice is posted in English, OCR will make their sample notice available in some non-English languages which can help if a patient asks a dentist for a translation.


Taglines:

Taglines are short statements in the top 15 non-English languages in your state, telling the public that you provide language assistance services and saying how the language assistance can be obtained.

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has provided the following sample tagline:  ATTENTION: If you speak [insert language], language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-xxx-xxx-xxxx (TTY: 1-xxx-xxx-xxxx).

As a member value, the ADA has also developed a sample Tagline and is providing it in the top 15 languages for states and US territories to all our members. Download the ADA's sample Kansas Taglines. You will still need to add how the language assistance can be obtained.

Where must I post the Notice of Nondiscrimination and the 15 taglines?

The notices are required in your office, on your website, and in significant publications and communications targeted to patients or the public.

• Office:  The notices must be placed in locations where you interact with the public, and must be in a conspicuously-visible font size.
• Website:  On your website, they must be in a conspicuous location accessible from the home page.
• Publications and Communications:  The notices must be printed in significant publications and/or communications targeted to patients and to the public.  This may include patient handbooks, outreach publications, or written notices pertaining to rights or benefits or requiring a response from an individual, as well as significant communications (such as letters) to an individual.
  • If a significant publication or communication is small-sized, such as a postcard or tri-fold brochure, you may postcard
    • taglines in the top two languages in your state, instead of the top 15
    • An abbreviated Nondiscrimination Statement: [NAME OF DENTAL PRACTICE] does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. The ADA has provided an editable sample shortened notice of nondiscrimination for small sized significant publications and communications. 

More Information:

More information is available in the ADA's Notice and Taglines Requirements FAQ.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively, such as:

• Qualified sign language interpreters
• Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)

HHS also provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:

• Qualified interpreters
• Information written in other languages

If you need these services, contact HHS at 1-877-696-6775.

Reproduction of this material by member dentists and their staff is permitted for non-commercial use in their dental offices, on their websites, and on publications and communications for purposes of compliance with the Section 1557 final rule. Any other use, duplication or distribution by members or any other party requires the prior written approval of the American Dental Association. This material is for general reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It covers only the Section 1557 final rule tagline requirement, not other federal or state law. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may require revision. Dentists should contact qualified legal counsel for legal advice, including advice pertaining to compliance with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rules and regulations.