Hillsborough clinic to pay $115K to vet turned away over service animal

A Hillsborough County pain management clinic has agreed to pay $115,000 to settle allegations it denied a disabled veteran access to medical care because he brought his service animal to an appointment, federal officials say.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced Wednesday it reached a civil settlement agreement with APC Inc., which operates clinics in Tampa and Brandon, after federal investigators found it violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The investigation into APC Inc. began after a complaint was filed by a disabled U.S. military veteran who uses a service animal for non-violent protection, rescue work and assistance when he experiences seizures and episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Investigators determined that APC Inc. violated the ADA when it discriminated against the veteran and his wife by refusing to allow him to attend a post-hospitalization medical appointment at its Brandon office with his service animal. APC cited its “no pets policy” and said that the animal was not allowed in the office because it is a “sterile environment,” according to a Department of Justice release.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says the denial caused the veteran to experience a PTSD episode followed by repeated seizures during the car ride home and over the next several days. Officials also say he abruptly stopped taking medication prescribed by an APC physician while he was hospitalized.

“Service animals are not pets — they provide critical assistance for individuals with disabilities,” U.S. Attorney for the Middle District Gregory Kehoe says in the release. “Many of our nation’s military veterans use service animals to assist them with service-connected disabilities. Our office does not tolerate discrimination against individuals with disabilities who use service animals and will ensure they receive equal access to healthcare.”

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, APC must pay $100,000 to compensate the veteran and his wife for the discrimination they faced, as well as an additional $15,000 civil penalty to the United States to “vindicate the public interest.”

The agreement also requires the clinic to adopt, maintain and enforce both service animal and non-discrimination policies, which must be posted in APC’s reception areas and on its website. APC must provide training to all personnel on the non-discrimination requirements under the ADA and post signs that say “Service Animals Welcome” in all public entryways of its facilities.

The clinic must also report any disability discrimination complaints it receives to the federal government for the next two years, the release says.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Karahalios handled this case.