How do I file a healthcare discrimination complaint?

Access to your complete medical records (HIPAA guarantees it). File with HHS Office for Civil Rights: 180 days from the incident (extensions possible for good cause).

How long do I have to report medical discrimination?

A second opinion and referrals on the same terms as other patients. File with HHS Office for Civil Rights: 180 days from the incident (extensions possible for good cause).

All rights guides

Section 1557 of the ACA · Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

Healthcare Discrimination — know your rights

Any provider receiving federal funds (nearly all hospitals and most clinics) cannot deny care, delay treatment, or provide a lower standard of care based on race. Dismissing reported pain and refusing referrals can qualify.

Your rights

Equal treatment, triage priority, and pain management
Access to your complete medical records (HIPAA guarantees it)
A second opinion and referrals on the same terms as other patients
An interpreter and effective communication if needed

How to file with HHS Office for Civil Rights

180 days from the incident (extensions possible for good cause).

Start a complaint with HHS Office for Civil Rights Track my deadline free

How to document it

Request your full chart after every disputed visit — notes reveal bias
Bring a witness to appointments when you expect pushback
Ask providers to document refusals: 'Please note in my chart that you declined X'
File with the hospital's patient advocate AND HHS OCR

Document it before you forget the details

Memory fades and deadlines pass. IronRecord timestamps and encrypts your evidence, counts down your filing window, and generates a court-ready report in one click. Free to start.

Start documenting — free

Guides on healthcare discrimination

How to File a Health Care Discrimination Complaint (Step by Step)

You have 180 days from when you knew about the discrimination to file a civil rights complaint with HHS OCR. Here's what counts, how to file for free, and what happens after you do.

8 min read

Other rights guides

Workplace Discrimination Housing Discrimination Police Misconduct Education Discrimination Retail Discrimination

This guide is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines vary by state and change over time; confirm details for your situation with a civil rights attorney. IronRecord uses conservative deadline estimates so you file with time to spare.