The California Medical Association has published answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the new nondiscrimination rules recently published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

The final rule, which implements the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act, Section 1557, requires covered physician practices to post nondiscrimination notices and inform patients with disabilities and limited English proficiency (LEP) about the right to receive communication assistance, including the availability of language assistance services.

These requirements aim to provide important protections for individuals with disabilities and ensure that individuals with LEP have meaningful access to health care as required under existing law.

The notice requirements under this final rule are effective October 16, 2016.