Hospital denied services to Ute woman who reported assault

Wednesday, February 15, 2012  

A hospital in Colorado has agreed to implement new policies after a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe was turned away after she reported being sexually assaulted.

The woman was told by the Southwest Memorial Hospital to seek help on the reservation. A doctor was apparently concerned that the facility wouldn't be reimbursed by the Indian Health Service for her care.

The hospital hasn't admitted wrongdoing but agreed to a settlement with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to ensure American Indians who come to the facility receive care. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act requires public hospitals to provide emergency services regardless of ability to pay.

Get the Story:
Cortez hospital inks landmark civil rights settlement with Indian tribe (The Denver Post 2/15)