DISABILITY SCOOP: Healthcare Providers Hit With New Accessibility Requirements
Under twin federal rules issued by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, healthcare providers face new accessibility requirements to ensure medical diagnostic equipment—such as examination tables, weight scales, and X-ray machines—is accessible to patients with disabilities. Taking effect under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the ADA, the regulations mandate that hospitals and doctors' offices maintain accessible equipment for each type used, with accessible gear making up a specific proportion of total equipment in general clinics and a higher percentage in mobility-specialized facilities. Additionally, medical staff must be qualified to operate the machinery and assist patients with transfers, addressing longstanding health disparities and systemic discrimination in healthcare accessibility.
