Read the SNAP Nondiscrimination Rights for more information on the USDA Discrimination policy.

Read the Iowa Medicaid Nondiscrimination Rights for more information on Medicaid discrimination policy.

It is the policy of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to provide equal treatment in employment and provision of services to applicants, employees and clients without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability or veteran status; hereafter referred to as protected category.

  • In accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and the principles of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services shall provide equal opportunity for all in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment without regard to protected category status.

  • The Iowa Department of Health Human Services assures that no person will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination for any services because of protected category status.

  • No facility operated by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services may be used to promote any discriminatory practice nor shall the Department become a party to any agreement that permits any discriminatory practice.

  • The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services shall not grant, deny or revoke a license, registration or certification on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability or veteran status.

Who may file a complaint or concern?

Any employee of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services who has reason to believe that he or she has been discriminated against may contact the agency Office of Human Resources, or the Iowa Department of Administrative Services-Human Resources Enterprise.

Any applicant or client of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services who has reason to believe that he or she may have been discriminated against may contact the Office of Human Resources.

How to file a complaint or concern

Complaints should be filed promptly but, in most instances, no later than 300 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory act(s).

Complaints to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Human Resources may consist of a letter to the address below describing your concern or complaint, how you were discriminated against and on what protected category.

Where to file a complaint or concern:

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Human Resources

Hoover State Office Building, 1st floor

1305 East Walnut Street

Des Moines, IA 50319-0114

contactdhs@dhs.state.ia.us

 

Complaints may also be filed with local Human Rights Agencies, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.