Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Brian T. McMahon, Ph.D., Department
of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, P. O. Box
980330, Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. Tel.: +1 804 827 0917; Fax: +1 804 828
1321; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the employment discrimination experience of Americans
with disabilities within the Healthcare industry is explored. Specifically, the
researchers examined discrimination allegations closed with and without merit
associated with each of the nine Standard Identification Classification code
healthcare service groups. Allegations made against skilled nursing,
intermediate care, and personal care facilities, particularly those in the
Southern region of the United States, were more likely to close with merit than
those made against both hospitals and home health providers. Race predicted
closure status with persons of mixed ethnic heritage, Asian Americans, and
Native Americans most likely to have merit closures. The authors offer
strategies for addressing discriminatory practices while providing
opportunities for accommodations in an industry stressed by high turnover
rates.
