Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act Compliance

SunStone Consulting maintains policies, procedures, and technical controls designed to support compliance with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in covered health programs and activities. SunStone's compliance program and employee policies require all personnel to provide services in a professional, respectful, and nondiscriminatory manner and prohibit discriminatory treatment of employees, clients, patients, business partners, or members of the public.  SunStone Consulting_DRAFT Compliance Program_6-30-2025.docx specifically requires compliance with applicable federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. [SunStone C..._6-30-2025 | Word]

Accessibility and Accommodation

SunStone maintains procedures for reasonable accommodation and engages in an interactive process when disabilities are disclosed or accommodation requests are received. Accommodation requests are managed through Human Resources and are evaluated to ensure equal access to services, employment opportunities, and participation in company activities. These procedures are documented within  2025 SunStone Consulting LLC Handbook - Edited May 2026.pdf. [2025 SunSt...d May 2026 | PDF], [2025 SunSt...d May 2026 | Word]

Language Assistance and Effective Communication

Consistent with Section 1557 requirements regarding individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), SunStone supports the use of translation and interpreter services when necessary to facilitate meaningful access to services. SunStone's healthcare client agreements and compliance resources emphasize equal access, language assistance, interpreter services, and communication accommodations for individuals with hearing, vision, or language barriers. [ACNC-VMC A...uted 10647 | PDF], [Agreement_...ealthyBlue | PDF], [Reimbursem...r Nov 2016 | PDF]

Website Accessibility

SunStone provides information through its public website, SunStone Consulting. As part of its commitment to nondiscrimination and accessibility, SunStone strives to make web-based information and communications accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. Website content is designed to support accessibility standards commonly recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 1557 accessibility principles. These efforts include support for assistive technologies, readable content structures, alternative text where appropriate, keyboard navigation compatibility, and accessible online communications. Section 1557 regulations specifically require accessibility of information and communication technologies used to provide health-related information and services. [ecfr.gov], [hhhealthlawblog.com]

Microsoft Teams Meetings and Training Accessibility

SunStone utilizes Microsoft Teams as its primary collaboration, meeting, and training platform. Teams provides built-in accessibility features that support compliance with Section 1557 communication requirements, including:

  • Live captions during meetings.

  • Meeting recordings with transcripts when enabled.

  • Screen reader compatibility.

  • Keyboard navigation functionality.

  • Chat-based communication alternatives.

  • Accessibility support for individuals with hearing or visual impairments.

  • Remote participation capabilities that reduce barriers to access.

These capabilities help ensure participants can effectively engage in meetings, educational sessions, user training, project workshops, and client communications regardless of disability status. Section 1557 requires covered organizations to provide effective communication and auxiliary aids when necessary to ensure equal participation for individuals with disabilities.[hhhealthlawblog.com], [Conditions...Guidelines | PDF]

Policies, Training, and Oversight

SunStone supports Section 1557 compliance through:

  • Nondiscrimination policies.

  • Employee handbook requirements.

  • Compliance program oversight.

  • HIPAA privacy and security controls.

  • Workforce education and awareness initiatives.

  • Accessibility and accommodation procedures.

  • Contractual obligations with healthcare clients.

  • Complaint and issue escalation processes.

These measures are reinforced through ongoing governance activities, compliance reviews, client contractual requirements, and employee accountability obligations. [SunStone C..._6-30-2025 | Word], [SunStone H...024_6.7.24 | PDF], [SunStone H...026_6.1.26 | PDF], [MSA_and_BA...8-14-2025 | PDF]

Suggested Client Questionnaire Response

SunStone Consulting maintains policies, procedures, and technical controls designed to support compliance with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. SunStone prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and provides reasonable accommodations when necessary. SunStone supports meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities through accommodation processes, accessibility measures, and communication support services. Information provided through the SunStone website and Microsoft Teams collaboration platform is delivered using accessibility features intended to promote equal access to meetings, training, communications, and client services. Compliance is supported through corporate policies, workforce training, HIPAA privacy and security controls, contractual healthcare obligations, and ongoing compliance oversight.[SunStone C..._6-30-2025 | Word], [2025 SunSt...d May 2026 | PDF], [SunStone H...026_6.1.26 | PDF], [ACNC-VMC A...uted 10647 | PDF]