Geisinger Settles Disability Discrimination Lawsuit for $450K

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Geisinger, a health system based in Danville, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $450,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2021. The EEOC accused Geisinger of discriminating against employees with disabilities by denying them accommodations and limiting job-protected leave.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of compliance with disability discrimination laws and the need for healthcare organizations to provide reasonable accommodations and appropriate leave policies for employees with disabilities. The settlement underscores the potential legal and financial consequences for health systems that fail to uphold these standards.

The details

The EEOC lawsuit alleged that Geisinger, its foundation, and one of its hospitals in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, denied accommodations to employees with disabilities and limited job-protected leave to a specific duration. The agency also claimed Geisinger changed job postings to prevent individuals with disabilities from attaining their previous position or a new one.

• The EEOC filed the lawsuit against Geisinger in 2021.
• Geisinger and the EEOC entered a consent decree to resolve the lawsuit on February 17, 2026.

What’s next

Geisinger has agreed to submit reports to the EEOC about employees terminated after they took leave.