Source: https://www.ada.gov/lapetite.htm
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 06:50:16+00:00

Document:
Settlement Agreement between the United States La Petite Academy, Inc.
1. The parties to this Settlement Agreement ("Agreement") are the United States of America and La Petite Academy, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("La Petite").
2. This Agreement resolves the following complaints filed with the Department of Justice ("Department") under title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181-89, and its implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. pt. 36: (i) Department of Justice Complaint Number (DJ#) 202-79-58, filed by Richard and Amy Jester on behalf of Nicholas Jester (the "Jester Complaint"); (ii) DJ# 202-42-21, filed by Tammy and Rodney C. Bownds on behalf of Emily Bownds (the "Bownds Complaint"); (iii) DJ# 202-74-45, filed by Ginger and Michael Carrabine on behalf of Zachary Carrabine (the "Carrabine Complaint"); (iv) DJ# 202-67-28, filed by James and Inez Irby on behalf of Trey Irby (the "Irby Complaint"); and (v) DJ# 202-35-77, filed by Gerald Ramey on behalf of Jerry Ramey (the "Ramey Complaint") (collectively, the "Complaints"). The Complaints were investigated by the Department under the authority granted by section 308(b) of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12188.
3. La Petite is a public accommodation, as defined in section 301(7)(e) of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182(7)(k), and its implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 36.104.
4. La Petite provides child day care services at approximately 750 locations nationwide. The day care centers that are the subjects of the Complaints are places of public accommodation, within the meaning of section 301(7)(e) of the ADA, as further defined in 28 C.F.R. § 36.104.
5. The individuals named in the Complaints are either (i) persons with disabilities within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12102(2) and 28 C.F.R. § 36.104, or (ii) individuals known by La Petite to have a relationship with individuals with known disabilities, within the meaning of 28 C.F.R. § 36.205. In addition, Jacob Bownds and Andy Carrabine are individuals known by La Petite to have a relationship with individuals with known disabilities, within the meaning of 28 C.F.R. § 36.205.
6. The Jester, Bownds, and Carrabine Complaints allege that La Petite discriminated against children with severe allergies and their families by maintaining a policy of not administering the EpiPen, Jr. (a disposable device used to administer a pre-measured dose of epinephrine to children with severe allergies) to children in their custody who suffered severe allergic reactions. La Petite's policy at that time was to call 911 and request that Emergency Medical Services personnel be dispatched to administer the EpiPen, Jr.
7. The Ibry Complaint alleges that the La Petite Academy located in Irmo, South Carolina, discriminated against Trey Irby and his family by refusing to permit Trey, an individual who requires one-on-one care, to enroll in the Irom La Petite Academy accompanied by an aide. No individualized assessment of the Irbys' enrollment request was made. In response, La Petite alleges that, if true, such failutr is contrary to La Petite's corporate policy, which requires an individualized assessment of each enrollment request.
8. The Ramey Complaint alleges that La Petite discriminated against Jerry Ramey and his family by, among other actions, failing to provide Jerry, a wheelchair user, with sufficient assistance in using the toilet facilities at the Gambrills, Maryland, La Petite.
9. La Petite does not admit that any action it has taken violates title III of the ADA. This Agreement shall not be construed as an admission of liability by La Petite.
10. To avoid unnecessary and costly litigation, the parties hereby agree to the provisions set forth in paragraphs 11 and 12 below.
11. La Petite hereby agrees that the document entitled "La Petite Academy, Inc. Policy for Administering Emergency Treatment to Children with Severe Allergies," attached hereto as Attachment A, has been adopted by La Petite as its policy for treating children with severe allergies, including its policy for administering epinephrine through the use of the EpiPen, Jr. La Petite further agrees not to modify the policy without the prior written consent of the Department.
12. La Petite hereby agrees to pay a total of Fifty-Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($55,000.00) as full and final settlement of the Complaints set forth in paragraphs 6, 7, and 8 above.
13. This sum shall be allocated among the five Complaints in full and final satisfaction of all ADA claims arising out of the Complaints and the facts set forth therein. Each party whose rights under the Complaints are resolved by this Agreement shall execute a Release in the form attached hereto as Attachment B prior to the payment of any sums to that party by La Petite. Within fifteen (15) days of La Petite's receipt of each fully executed Release, La Petite shall pay the appropriate party its allocation of the monetary sum specified in paragraph 12 above.
14. As a result of its request to the Department for technical assistance, La Petite developed the document entitled "La Petite Academy Policy for Testing Blood Glucose Levels," attached hereto as Attachment C. La Petite agrees that Attachment C has been adopted by La Petite as its policy for testing the blood glucose levels of children with insulin-dependent diabetes. La Petite further agrees not to modify the policy without the prior written consent of the Department.
15. The Attorney General is authorized, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 12188(b)(1)(B), to bring a civil action to enforce title III of the ADA in any situation where the Attorney General finds a pattern or practice of discrimination or an issue of general public importance. In consideration of the terms of this Agreement, the Attorney General agrees to refrain from filing a civil suit under title III in this matter.
16. The Department may review compliance with this Agreement at any time. If the Department believes that this Agreement or any portion of it has been violated, it may institute a civil action in federal district court.
17. A failure by the Department to enforce any term of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of its right to enforce any other portion of this Agreement.
18. This Agreement shall be enforceable in United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
19. This Agreement is a public document. Copies of this Agreement, the Attachments, and any information contained in them may be made available to any person at any time. The Department shall provide copies of these documents to any person upon request.
20. The effective date of this Agreement is the date of the last signature below [October 23, 1997]. This Agreement shall be binding on La Petite Academy, Inc., and its successors and assigns. La Petite shall have a duty to notify all such successors and assigns.
21. This document constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties on the matters raised herein, and no other statement, promise, or agreement, either written or oral, made by either party or the agents of either party that is not contained in this written Agreement, shall be enforceable. This Agreement is limited to the matters raised in the Complaints and does not address any other issues of ADA compliance by La Petite. This Agreement does not affect the continuing responsibility of La Petite to comply with all aspects of the ADA.
1. A signed copy of La Petite's "Authorization For Emergency Care For Children With Severe Allergies" (Authorization Form). This form must be filled out completely by the child's physician and parent(s)/guardian(s), and must be updated every six months, or more frequently, as needed. The Authorization Form is designed to provide La Petite with the information necessary to ensure proper preventative measures and an effective response to a serious allergic reaction. In addition, the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall provide a copy of any other physician's orders and procedural guidelines relating to the prevention and treatment of the child's allergy.
2. A signed copy of La Petite's "Release and Waiver of Liability for Administering Emergency Treatment To Children With Severe Allergies" (Waiver). The Waiver releases La Petite and its employees from liability for administering treatment to children with severe allergies (including the administration of epinephrine) and taking any other necessary actions set forth in the Authorization Form, provided that La Petite exercises reasonable care in taking such actions.
*Note: The Regional Director is responsible for: (1) collecting these documents after they have been properly executed, and (2) placing a copy of each form in the child's La Petite Academy file and sending the originals to Home Office.
3. All equipment and medications needed by La Petite to comply with the instructions set forth in the Authorization Form (including, but not limited to, a device such as the EpiPen. Jr.). The parent(s)/guardian(s) is responsible for ensuring that all medication is properly labeled by a pharmacist and replaced prior to the expiration date.
1. Prior to the child's first day of attendance, the parent(s)/guardian(s) or their designee(s) is responsible for training selected members of the Staff including, but not limited to, the Director, Assistant Director, and child's teacher(s), on the nature of the child's allergy(ies), including (i) the events/substances that may trigger allergic reaction (e. g.. bee sting, consumption of peanuts or products containing peanuts, etc.), (ii) with respect to food allergies, limitations on the child's food consumption, (iii) symptoms of an allergic reaction, and (iv) when and how to administer treatment for an allergic reaction, including, where appropriate, the procedure for administering epinephrine through an EpiPen. Ir. or similar device. In addition, all members of the Staff will be trained to recognize the nature of the allergy and symptoms listed in subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) above.
2. At least four (4) members of the La Petite Staff including, but not limited to, the Director, Assistant Director, and child's teacher(s), shall attend the training provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s)/designee(s). Upon completion of the training, the Staff shall complete and sign the Allergy Emergency Treatment Training Acknowledgment.
3. Training shall be repeated every six months, or when fifty percent (50%) of the La Petite Staff has turned over, whichever occurs first. If the individual serving as the Director, the Assistant Director, and/or the child's teacher(s) is replaced, his or her replacement shall immediately be trained by the parent(s)/guardian(s)/designee(s).
4. At least one (1) trained Staff member shall be present at all times the child is present at the Academy and shall accompany the child on all field trips.
5. Medication kept at the Academy shall be stored in a secure area accessible only by trained Staff. During Academy field trips a trained member of the Staff shall be designated to carry any required medication.
6. Warning signs alerting Staff of the child's particular allergy shall be posted in the kitchen, the child's classroom, on the monthly menu, on attendance sheets, and on Staff time sheets.
1. A designated Staff member calls the area's emergency personnel number (e.g. "911"), unless stated otherwise in the Authorization Form, and the parent(s)/guardian(s) immediately.
2. A trained Staff member administers medication (such as Benadryl Elixir or the EpiPen, Jr.) as instructed in the Authorization Form. Unless otherwise indicated on the Authorization Form, these medications should be administered immediately. If a child is exposed to (e.g., bee sting) or ingests (e.g., peanuts) a known allergen, do not wait to administer medication until the child shows the signs of an allergic reaction, unless the Authorization Form states otherwise. If a child exhibits symptoms of an allergic reaction, do not wait to see whether his or her symptoms worsen. Note: the area's emergency personnel number (e.g. "911") must be called in addition to giving medication such as the EpiPen, Jr. because the medication only works for approximately 15 minutes.
3. Under no circumstances may any La Petite Staff member administer any medication, including the EpiPen, Jr., until (i) the child has been identified as subject to anaphylactic reaction, (ii) all the required information and forms have been provided by parent(s)/guardian(s), and (iii) the initial training has been completed. Please contact the Home Office Legal Department if you have any questions.
4. If epinephrine is prescribed, only pre-measured doses of epinephrine (such as contained in the EpiPen, Jr.) may be given by La Petite Staff.
© 1997, La Petite Academy, Inc.
Your patient, _____________________________________________ is enrolled/enrolling in our Academy and we have been requested to provide certain emergency care for the prevention of anaphylaxis in the event the child comes into contact with a certain allergen(s), as described below. Please complete Part I of this instruction record. This record will remain in the child's file at La Petite Academy so we may assist with the allergy care and needs of our enrollee and your patient. If you need to provide further instructions or clarifications, please do so on a separate sheet of paper, which will become a part of this record and will be kept with this form in the child's file at La Petite.
Please provide a complete list of all events and/or substances that may trigger a severe allergic on (I, anaphylactic shock) in the child.
Please provide a complete list of all symptoms that indicate that the child has come into contact with an allergen and that he or she requires emergency treatment.
____ Do not administer medication in the absence of known exposure to allergen.
Please indicate all steps necessary and the order in which they should be taken.
____ Give Benadryl Elixir, ml orally.
____ Call the area's emergency medical personnel (e.g."911").
____ Call parent(s)/guardian(s), and child's physician.
By signing this form, I\We authorize La Petite Academy to follow the above instructions in the Authorization form. I/We agree to update this form every six (6) months, or sooner if my/our child's needs change.
WHEREAS, La Petite has been requested by the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) to administer emergency treatment (including the administration of epinephrine) to the child during certain emergency situations when the child has come in contact with an allergen and is in danger of anaphylaxis, as prescribed in writing on the child's "Authorization For Emergency Care Of Children With Severe Allergies", all in accordance with and subject to La Petite s policy for administering emergency treatment to children with severe allergies.
1. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) hereby releases and forever discharges La Petite and its employees or agents from any and all liability arising in law or equity as a result of La Petite's employees or agents administering epinephrine and providing other emergency care in conformance with the child's "Authorization For Emergency Care Of Children With Severe Allergies" (hereinafter referred to as the "Authorization"), provided that La Petite has used reasonable care in administering epinephrine and in providing other authorized care in accordance with the Authorization.
2. This Release shall be governed by the laws of the State of , ____________ which is the location of the La Petite facility in which the child is enrolled, excluding its choice of law Provisions.
3. This Release supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and all agreements proposed or otherwise, whether written or oral, concerning all subject matters covered herein. This instrument, along with the Authorization (including any additional physicians instructions or clarifications), which is hereby incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matters discussed herein.
4. The reference in this Release to the term "La Petite" shall include La Petite Academy, Inc., its affiliates, successors, directors, officers, employees and representatives. The terms Parent(s)/Guardian(s) shall include the dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors or each.
5. If one or more of the provisions of this Release shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect or impair any other provision of the Release. This Release shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had not been contained herein.
Academy, in the event the child has been exposed to ______________________ and is at risk of ananaphylactic reaction, or if the child exhibits the symptoms described in the "Authorization For Emergency Care Of Children With Severe Allergies", which is attached to and made a part of this Acknowledgment.
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of La Petite Academy, Inc.'s Policy for Administering Emergency Treatment to Children with Severe Allergies.
For and in consideration of receipt of a check made payable to _____________________ and _______________, as parents and legal guardians of _____________________, a minor, in the amount of $_______ .00 from La Petite Academy, Inc., pursuant to the provisions of the Settlement Agreement entered into by the United States of America and La Petite Academy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, on July ___, 1997, resolving, among others, Department of Justice Complaint # (DJ#) 202- ___- ___. We, ________________ and ________________, as parents and legal guardians of ________________, a minor, hereby release and forever discharge La Petite Academy, Inc. of and from all legal and equitable claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq., arising out of Complaint #DJ ___-___-___, on behalf of ourselves and our minor child [children], ________________ [and________________ ]. The undersigned agree to keep this Release confidential at all times and not to release information regarding the contents of this Release to any party whatsoever, other than to their accountant, tax consultant, taxing authority, or other governmental agency. In the event of a breach of this confidentiality provision, the non-breaching party may seek to recover an amount equal to the amount of this settlement from the breaching party.
This Release constitutes the entire agreement between La Petite Academy, Inc. and the undersigned, without exception or exclusion.
We acknowledge that a copy of the Settlement Agreement resolving this Complaint has been made available to us.
WE HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WE UNDERSTAND THE CONTENTS THEREOF AND WE EXECUTE THIS RELEASE AS OUR OWN FREE ACT AND DEED.
Signed this ________day of ________________,1997.
Sworn and subscribed to before me this ____ day of ___________________ 1997.
1. A signed copy of La Petite's "Authorization for Care of Children with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes" (Authorization Form). This form must be filled out completely by the child's physician and parent(s)/guardian(s), and must be updated every six months, or more frequently, as needed. The Authorization Form is designed to provide La Petite with the information necessary to ensure its effective care of children with insulin-dependent diabetes. In addition, the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall provide a copy of any other physician's orders and procedural guidelines relating to La Petite's care of the child's diabetes.
2. A signed copy of La Petite's "Release and Waiver of Liability for Testing of Children With Insulin Dependent Diabetes (Waiver). The Waiver releases La Petite and its employees from liability for administering the blood glucose test and taking any other necessary actions set forth in the Authorization Form, provided that La Petite exercises reasonable care in taking such actions.
3. All supplemental foods and equipment necessary for the testing including a log book in which to record the test results and a sharps container. The parent(s)/guardian(s) is responsible for the maintenance of materials and equipment, including ensuring that the blood glucose meter is in good working order.
La Petite is not responsible for any damage or loss of equipment provided reasonable care is exercised in storing and using these items.
4. La Petite Staff will perform the blood glucose test and take those steps needed to regulate the child's blood glucose as authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) on the Authorization Form.
If any option other than No. 4 is selected. the La Petite Staff will provide assistance to the child, the parents/guardian(s) or the third party e.g. in recording the test results and/or the disposal of sharps.
If the parent(s)/guardian(s) elects to have La Petite Staff perform the Blood Glucose Testing, the following steps must be implemented.
1. Prior to the child's first day of attendance, the parent(s)/guardian(s)/designee(s) is responsible for training selected members of the Staff including, but not limited to, the Director, Assistant Director and Child's Teacher(s), to administer the Blood Glucose Test and, in the event that the child's blood sugar level is too high or too low, to take the appropriate steps, as set forth in the Authorization Form In addition, all members of the Staff will be trained to recognize symptoms of high or low blood sugar and to take the appropriate steps for treating the child, as set forth in the Authorization Form.
2. At least four (4) members of the La Petite Staff including, but not limited to, the Director, Assistant Director, and Child's Teacher(s), shall attend the training provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s)/ designee(s). Upon completion of the training, the Staff shall complete and sign the Blood Glucose Testing Training Acknowledgment.
4. At least one (1) Staff member trained to perform the Blood Glucose Test shall be present at all times the child is present at the Academy and shall accompany the child on all field trips.
5. Testing equipment and used sharps shall be stored in a secure area accessible only by trained Staff. During Academy field trips a trained member of the Staff shall be designated to carry any required testing equipment and food.
6. Warning signs alerting Staff of the child's diabetes and dietary restrictions shall be posted in the kitchen, the child's classroom, and on the monthly menu.
Unless otherwise indicated on the Authorization Form, blood glucose testing is performed each day before lunch and, in addition, at any other time the child exhibits signs or symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are listed on the attached chart. In addition, each Academy will be provided with a chart containing this information to be posted for Staff awareness.
1. The designated Staff member(s) will collect all necessary equipment/supplies for testing.
2. The child is instructed to wash his/her hands with soap and water.
3. The Staff member will wash his/her hands with soap and water and apply gloves prior to doing the testing, in accordance with OSHA requirements.
4. The child's finger will be shallowly pricked with the supplied sharps device, using caution to prick the sides of the finger. Staff will use a different finger each day for the testing unless otherwise indicated on the Authorization Form.
5. A drop of blood will be placed on the strip and/or otherwise placed onto the meter for reading.
6. When the blood glucose test is completed, the child's finger will be covered with an adhesive bandage, and the meter and sharps device returned to the designated container. When the parent(s)/guardian(s) is notified that the sharps container is fuel, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will remove the container and dispose of any used sharps in the appropriate manner. Under no circumstance are sharps to be disposed of at the Academy.
7. The blood glucose level (number) win be entered on a log provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the appropriate actions will be taken as set out in the Authorization form. If the blood glucose level (number) falls outside the target range specified in the Authorization Form, the appropriate actions will be taken and then the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be called and advised of the blood glucose number and actions taken. [Note: Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for providing a contact number where they can be reached when necessary.] In the interim, if the child becomes lethargic, dizzy, or feels faint, call the area's emergency personnel number (e.g."9 11") and the child's doctor's office. In the event of any conflict between this policy document and the instructions set forth in the Authorization Form, the instructions in the Authorization Form must be followed.
Treatment: Have child eat or drink something that is high in sugar content, i.e., apple juice, orange juice, carbonated beverage, milk.
Treatment: Because the child may need an insulin injection, contact the parents or the child's physician immediately.
Your patient,_____________________________, is enrolled/enrolling in our Academy and we have been requested to provide blood glucose monitoring and appropriate follow-up care. Please complete Part I of this instruction record. This record will remain in the child's file at La Petite Academy so we may assist with the blood glucose monitoring and other needs of our enrollee and your patient. If you need to provide further instructions or clarifications, please do so on a separate sheet of paper, which will become a part of this record and will be kept with this form in the child's file at La Petite.
Blood glucose testing is performed before lunch and, in addition, at any time the child exhibits signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, as described on the attached form. Parent(s)/guardian(s) must supply blood glucose monitoring materials (meter and strips or chem strips, lancet, adhesive bandages, etc.). Other materials shall include (give detail) ___________________________________________________.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for providing an appropriate container for the disposal of any "sharps" items. When the parent(s)/guardian(s) is notified that the sharps container is full, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will remove the container and dispose of any used sharps in the appropriate manner.
1. Provide the child with one of the following fast-acting carbohydrates in the following quantities (please delete those items which are not recommended): ___ oz. apple or orange juice; ___ milk, ___ carbonated beverage with sugar; ___ hard candies, other _____________________________.
2. If lunch or snack is greater than one hour away, ALSO give the child one of the following in these quantities: # ___ graham cracker squares; # ___ saltines; # ___ pieces of bread or toast; or other: _____________________________________________________________________.
3. Repeat blood glucose test in _________ minutes.
4. Repeat snack of fast-acting carbohydrates if symptoms persist or resume within 15 minutes.
6. If the steps outlined above do not eliminate the child's symptoms and the child experiences more serious symptoms (such as loss of consciousness or seizure), La Petite Staff will call the area's emergency personnel number (e.g. "911").
1. Contact parent(s)/guardian(s) immediately and child's physician if blood glucose is more than_________ .
1. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for reviewing La Petite's menu plan each week and supplying any food substitutions required for their child. La Petite is responsible for notifying parent(s)/guardian(s) if a birthday or holiday party or any other special event involving food is planned for that week so that parent(s)/guardian(s) may have the option of providing a snack that meets the child's dietary restrictions.
2. Parent(s)/guardian(s)s are responsible for supplying the carbohydrate snacks which need to be given in the event of low blood sugar levels.
By signing this form, I/We authorize La Petite Academy to follow the above instructions in the Authorization form. I/We agree to update this form every six (6) months, or sooner if my/our child's needs change.
©1997, La Petite Academy, Inc.
made this ______day of _____________________ , 19 ___ , by and between La Petite Academy, Inc.
WHEREAS, La Petite has been requested by the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) to provide blood glucose testing to their child at certain times while their child is enrolled in the Academy and take certain actions as prescribed in writing on the child's Authorization for Care of Children with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes," all in accordance with and subject to La Petite's Policy for Testing Blood Glucose Levels.
1. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) hereby releases and forever discharges La Petite and its employees or agents from any and all liability arising in law or equity as a result of La Petite's employees or agents performing with "reasonable care" blood glucose testing and/or taking actions in conformance with the child's "Authorization for Care of Children with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes" (hereinafter referred to as "Authorization"), Parent(s)/Guardian(s) also hereby releases and forever discharges La Petite from any loss or damage incurred in the exercise of reasonable care to any material and/or equipment supplied by the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) in connection with the blood glucose testing.
2. This Release shall be governed by the laws of the State of ______________________ ,which is the location of the La Petite facility in which the child is enrolled, excluding its choice of law Provisions.
3. This Release supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and all agreements proposed or otherwise, whether written or oral, concerning all subject matters covered herein. This instrument, along with the Authorization (including any additional physician's instructions or clarifications), which is hereby incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matters discussed herein.
4. The reference in this Release to the term La Petite shall include its affiliates, successors, Directors, officers, employees and representatives. The terms Parent(s)/Guardian(s) shall include the dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors or each.
an insulin-dependent diabetic child enrolled at La Petite Academy.

References: § 12188
 § 12182
 § 36
 § 36
 § 12102
 § 36
 § 36
 § 36
 § 12188