The start of another week means we have a brand new emotional support animal news report for you. This time, we’re looking at just one story: how the federal government has yet again defended the rights of people with disabilities—this time in a hospital setting. We’re also looking at what this may mean for ESAs. Keep reading to get caught up.
Several patients with disabilities have accused several Michigan hospitals and medical facilities of discrimination. They claim these centers are not following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The federal government launched an investigation and concluded: they were right.
One of the complaints against an Ascension hospital came from Sierra Richmond. The woman was scheduled for surgery but couldn’t be without her service dog. Her furry friend provides more than just company—they’re also a diabetic alert dog. When her blood sugar levels get thrown out of balance, the husky mix perks up and gets help.
Unfortunately, staff would not allow Richmond’s service dog into the pre-op rooms. Thus, she had to go through the procedure alone. As soon as she was discharged, she reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan.
With mounting pressure—and admitting that “enforcing the ADA is a top priority of the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office”—the federal government launched an investigation. It quickly came to the conclusion that the medical centers were, indeed, violating the ADA.
Instead of a drawn-out legal battle, the Ascension medical facilities reached an agreement with the federal government. It committed to revising hospital policies about animals and non-discrimination guidelines. Additionally, it will also train staff members to recognize service animals and do better for its disabled patients.
“The ADA protects the right of individuals who use a service animal for their disability to have their animal with them in virtually all areas, even in hospitals and medical offices,” said the U.S. Attorney in Detroit.
Source: macombdaily.com
Can Emotional Support Animals Go Into Hospitals?
That said, can emotional support animals also go into hospitals? The short answer is no.
Service dogs are professionally trained to assist their owners in specific tasks. ESAs, although incredibly important for people with mental or emotional illnesses, are not trained. Thus, they’re not considered service animals.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to service dogs and miniature horses only. ESAs are not covered, therefore hospitals don’t have to allow them inside. Exceptions can be made—but it’s up to the hospital directors.
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
It’s great seeing the federal government double down on the Americans with Disabilities Act. People with disabilities have the right to take their service dogs with them wherever they go. Even into establishments that aren’t up to speed with the law. Hopefully, this serves as a lesson for other hospitals to welcome all patients without discriminating against them.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, you also have the right to have an assistance animal by your side. ESAs are loyal animals who can help you cope with your symptoms. Take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free to start the process. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will meet with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your ESA letter in no time.