Publication Date
12-1993
Advisor(s) - Committee Chair
Wayne Higgins, Thomas Nicholson, Jimmie Price
Degree Program
Department of Public Health
Degree Type
Master of Science
Abstract
Public Law 131-336, Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), is comprehensive legislation created with the intention of integrating the disable into the work place and every segment of society. Forty-three million Americans are disabled. Of these, twenty-three million seek employment, but because of discrimination are unable to find work. The law provides requirements for access to public accommodations. All disabled Americans deserve the opportunity to enjoy the same public services as the non-disabled.
Businesses are now required to provide reasonable accommodations to a disabled employee if these accommodations will allow the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. Businesses are also required to make necessary renovations to their facilities to allow the disabled to move freely about and enjoy the services and amenities of the facility.
This researcher attempts to compile the costs of complying with the ADA in one hospital. The analysis is limited to one facility. However, the findings may be beneficial to other facilities because severe civil penalties can be levied on facilities which do not comply.
The study involved surveying a healthcare facility using points from Title I of the ADA determined by the researcher to be necessary for compliance. Title III compliance was accomplished using a facility survey from developed by the American Hospital Association.
The researcher complied total expenditures by The Medical Center at Bowling Green, Bowling Green, Kentucky, to comply with Titles I and III of the ADA as well as projected costs associated with recommendations to resolve deficiencies.
The findings support the hypothesis that practical approaches and inexpensive solutions are readily available so facilitates can fully comply with the intent of the law and avoid undue hardship.
Disciplines
Health Policy | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
Recommended Citation
Craig, Jean E., "An Evaluation of the Economic Impact of P.L., 101-336, Americans with Disabilities Act on a Community Hospital" (1993). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 1679.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1679
Craig Authorization