Also known as Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. subsection 621 (1967), a law that prohibits unfair and discriminatory treatment in hiring, promotion, compensation, discharge, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment by an employer against anyone 40 years old or older. In health care, this act has been used to challenge the termination of mature employees. Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).