A Patient Dog

A patient alleged that he was discriminated against because of his disability when his request to have his service dog accompany him during his treatment at a local hospital was denied. The patient was asked to provide proof of the animal’s certification, which is not required under the law.  Following an investigation by ASCHR, substantial evidence was found that the patient was discriminated against when he was not allowed to have his service animal present during his treatment. The parties conciliated the case, and respondent agreed to pay the patient $7,500 and make a $2,500 donation to a service animal charity.