Discrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin (including LEP)

Title VI protects people of every race, color, or national origin from discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance from HHS. Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also prohibits discrimination on the ground of race, color, or national origin, under “any health program or activity, any part of which is receiving Federal financial assistance … or under any program or activity that is administered by an Executive agency or any entity established under [Title I of ACA]….”

A recipient of federal financial assistance may not, based on race, color, or national origin:

  • Deny services or other benefits provided as a part of health or human service programs
  • Provide a different service or other benefit, or provide services or benefits in a different manner from those provided to others under the program
  • Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any service or other benefit
  • Utilize criteria or methods of administration which subject individuals to discrimination
  • Select a facility’s site or location that excludes individuals or denies them benefits
  • Deny an individual an opportunity to participate on a planning or advisory board

If you believe that you (or someone else) have been discriminated against—because of race, color, or national origin—in health care or human services, you may file a complaint with OCR.

Your Rights Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

Law and Regulations

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) 42 U.S.C.§ 2000d

Title VI Implementing Regulations, 45 C.F.R. Part 80

Special Topics in Civil Rights

Content created by Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
Content last reviewed