April 8, 1994
 

Mr. John Wodatch
Director, Public Access Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 6118
Washington D.C. 20035-6118

Dear Mr. Wodatch:

Please find enclosed a copy of correspondence I recently received
from    XX     M.D., regarding his concerns with the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Because I want to do everything
possible to be responsive to constituent concerns and inquiries,
I would he grateful if your office would review his
correspondence and respond to his question.

Dr.   XX    raises concerns about the costs associated with
providing interpretive services to hearing impaired Patients that
he sees. As you will note, in this instance, Dr.   XX     was
charged more for the interpretive services than he charged the
patient, resulting in a net loss for his practice.

According to the regulations formulated to implement the
Americans with Disabilities Act, can charges for interpretive
services be passed on to the individual? I believe that an
interpretation of the meaning of providing a "reasonable"
accommodation" in such situations would be very helpful. Once
you have had an opportunity to review this matter, please send
your findings and comments to my office in the Special Districts
Center at 727 Center Street N.E., Suite 305, Salem, Oregon 97301.
Your assistance in this matter is appreciated.

With kind regards.

                               Sincerely,



                               Mark O. Hatfield
                               United States Senator

MOH: js
Enclosure








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