HI 00204.005 Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI states that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. All federal departments and agencies extending such financial assistance are required to ensure that institutions or activities participating in these Federally-assisted programs do not discriminate against beneficiaries or hospital personnel on the grounds of race, color, or national origin. All hospitals and other Part A providers participating in Medicare are subject to the provisions of title VI. Thus, a hospital may meet all the technical requirements pursuant to Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, and yet not be eligible to participate in the Medicare program because of failure to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Title VI does not apply to physicians and other providers of medical services under Part B for the reason that the voluntary insurance system created by Part B is contractual in nature. The system, therefore, even if it might otherwise fall within the scope of title VI, is excluded as a contract of insurance.

Investigating complaints of noncompliance with title VI is a function of the Office of Civil Rights of HHS.