Non-Discrimination Notice. Equal care, without exception.

Newport Center for Special Surgery does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or disability. We provide services to all patients regardless of these characteristics.

This notice describes our commitment, the language and disability accommodations we provide, and how to file a complaint if you believe you have been discriminated against.

Our commitment to non-discrimination applies to every aspect of the care we provide:

• Equal access to services. We provide the same quality of care, the same range of services, and the same Rest-Assure perioperative standard to all patients, regardless of the characteristics listed above.
• No differential treatment. Scheduling, consultation, surgical care, and follow-up are provided without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
• Respect for identity. Patients are addressed by their chosen name and pronouns. Documentation reflects patient-provided information.
• Culturally responsive care. Our staff receives ongoing training in providing culturally responsive care, including awareness of communication styles, family involvement preferences, and religious observances that may affect care.

Language assistance services are available to patients whose primary language is not English:

• Free interpretation. Free language interpretation services are available for medical consultations, pre-operative discussions, informed consent conversations, and other patient-facing interactions. There is no charge to the patient for these services.
• Bilingual staff. Several of our affiliated surgeons and staff members are fluent in additional languages. Dr. Toohey and Dr. Andre speak Spanish; Dr. Bernett is fluent in Spanish and Italian. Please let us know your language preference when scheduling.
• Advance arrangement recommended. When possible, please let us know your language preference at least 5 business days before your appointment so we can arrange in-person or telephonic interpretation.
• Written materials. Key patient documents can be provided in Spanish. Requests for other written translations should be made in advance.

Auxiliary aids and services are available at no charge to patients with disabilities:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Available upon advance request (typically 5 business days notice) for medical consultations and other patient interactions.
• Assistive listening devices. Available upon request for patients with hearing loss.
• Documents in alternative formats. Patient forms and educational materials in larger print, or read aloud, as needed.
• Support person accommodation. Patients with cognitive, communication, or other disabilities may have a support person or advocate present at any appointment.
• Physical accessibility. Our facility is fully wheelchair-accessible. See our Accessibility Statement for full details.

• Internal complaint process. If you believe you have been discriminated against based on any of the protected characteristics listed above, you may file a written complaint with our Compliance Officer.
• Contact. Newport Center for Special Surgery, Compliance Officer, 1401 Avocado Avenue, Suite 101, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Phone: (949) 644-8182.
• Response commitment. We will acknowledge your complaint promptly and investigate the concerns raised. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint in good faith.
• What to include. Please provide your name and contact information, a description of what happened, when it occurred, who was involved, and how you would like the situation resolved.

You may also file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR):

Online

ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf

By mail

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Room 509F HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201

By phone

1-800-368-1019 (TDD: 1-800-537-7697)

Complaint forms

Available at hhs.gov/ocr

You may also file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or other applicable state agencies. Filing a complaint with a federal or state agency does not preclude filing with us, and vice versa.