U.S. Government Accuses Yale of Discriminating Against Older Radiologists

Yale New Haven Hospital is under fire from federal prosecutors for allegations that the prestigious medical center’s Late Career Practitioner Policy discriminates and humiliates older physicians.

This month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against the hospital accusing them of forcing radiologists to submit to neuropsychological and eye exams in order to keep their staff privileges. Physicians under 70 were not obligated to undergo these evaluations.

The EEOC claimed that Yale’s policy was enacted regardless of suspicions that doctors were experiencing neurological impairments. Officials say that the policy violates both the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. According to Radiology Business, the commission attempted to resolve the matter out of court, but they weren’t able to come to an agreement. They’re now motivated to eliminate the policy and monetary reparations.

Meanwhile, Yale has defended their policy. “Yale New Haven Hospital’s late career practitioner policy is designed to protect our patients from potential harm while including safeguards to ensure that our physicians are treated fairly,” The hospital said in a statement. “The policy is modeled on similar standards in other industries and we are confident that no discrimination has occurred and will vigorously defend ourselves in this matter.”