Nondiscrimination Policy

Vista Community Clinic PACE (VCC PACE) is committed to providing high-quality, respectful, and equitable care to all participants. VCC PACE does not discriminate against participants or prospective participants in the delivery of services based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, marital status, sexual orientation, age, sex, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or California law.

VCC PACE provides services in accordance with applicable federal and California nondiscrimination laws and requirements, including Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and applicable California laws and regulations. California DHCS’s PACE contract requirements prohibit unlawful discrimination in the provision of covered services.

Your Rights

You have the right to receive PACE services:

Without discrimination or unequal treatment.
In a safe, accessible, and respectful environment.
With dignity and respect.
In a manner that accommodates your communication needs and disabilities.
In a way that respects your cultural and individual needs.
Without being subjected to retaliation or reprisal for raising a concern or filing a complaint.

PACE participant rights specifically include protection against discrimination based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, and source of payment for health care.

Language Assistance and Accessible Communication

VCC PACE provides language and communication assistance to help participants understand information about their care and services.

If you have a language or communication barrier, you have the right to receive assistance so that you can understand information provided to you. When appropriate, VCC PACE will provide information in your preferred language and in a culturally competent manner. Participants may also request materials in accessible formats when needed.

If you need an interpreter, auxiliary aid, or an alternative format for written information, please contact VCC PACE and let us know how we can assist you.

How to Report Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced discrimination by VCC PACE or that discrimination has affected your benefits or services, you may report your concern to VCC PACE.

You may contact VCC PACE at:

VCC PACE
425 E Colorado St., Suite 100/110
Glendale, CA 91205

Phone: 818-237-3400
Toll-Free: 1-877-822-7223 (1-877-VCC-PACE)
TTY: 711
Fax: 818-237-3419
Email: info@vccpace.org

You may also speak with any VCC PACE staff member and ask for assistance reporting a discrimination concern.

You will not be subject to retaliation, reprisal, or discrimination for reporting a concern or exercising your rights.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint With California DHCS

You may also file a discrimination complaint with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Office of Civil Rights.

DHCS Office of Civil Rights
P.O. Box 997413, MS 0009
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413

Phone: 916-440-7370
Email: CivilRights@dhcs.ca.gov

DHCS states that discrimination complaints should generally be filed as soon as possible and within 180 days of the last act of discrimination. DHCS may consider complaints filed after this period when there is good cause for the delay.

You may use the DHCS ADA Title VI Discrimination Complaint Form to submit a complaint. The form provides additional information about your rights and the complaint process.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office for Civil Rights

You may also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights.

If you believe you have been discriminated against in connection with your health care, you may contact the Office for Civil Rights for information about filing a complaint.

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Phone: 1-800-368-1019
TTY: 1-800-537-7697

Questions or Assistance

If you have questions about your nondiscrimination rights, need language or communication assistance, or need help filing a discrimination complaint, please contact VCC PACE.

VCC PACE is committed to ensuring that all participants receive respectful, accessible, and equitable care.