New York, NY, May 8, 2012 – Today, the Foundation for Clinical Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease announced its action against two businesses who recently denied restroom access to patients seeking help. In both instances patients were carrying Medical Alert Restroom Access cards issued by The Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD and occurred in states where Restroom Access Acts, also known as Ally’s Law, are in place. The Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD confronted the businesses and their corporate headquarters seeking apologies for the incidents, as well educational and sensitivity training for employees.

“We expect that when patients present our Restroom Access Card they will be treated with respect and provided use of a restroom,” said Jane Present, executive director of the Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD. “We want people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to be confident, to feel free to go shopping, to have a normal quality of life. It is disheartening and disgraceful when they are denied that freedom by ignorance. We will not stand for it.”

Restroom Access Acts/Laws allow people living with chronic illnesses that include inflammatory bowel disease allow people with certain medical conditions the use of any restroom on premises, including those for employees only. Currently, the law is in place in 12 states (Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Colorado, Ohio, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Connecticut). Legislation to enact Ally’s Law is pending in other states. The Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD is a proud supporter of the legislation.

“In the cases reported to us, we were able to point to the law and demonstrate that not only good customer service failed, but a law was broken,” continued Present. “Retailers and their employees need to be aware of the law and honor it in states it exists, but also use common sense and kindness in states where it does not. We also are working with industry, patient advocates and legislators to make Ally’s Law permanent in every state.”

The Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD provides Restroom Access Cards free of charge to IBD patients. IBD patients can report incidents where they have been denied access to a restroom facility by e-mailing info@myibd.org.

The Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing continued support to the IBD professional community, encouraging and enabling continued clinical research into IBD and its treatments and supporting patients and their families through education. For more information about the Foundation for Clinical Research in IBD, visit www.myIBD.org.

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