A pair of federal rules now impose first-ever requirements that health care providers stock accessible medical equipment, including examination tables, weight scales and X-ray machines. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rule under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act took effect July 8, and the Justice Department’s companion rule under Title II of the ADA carried an Aug. 9 deadline. Clinics and hospitals must make at least 10% of medical equipment accessible — 20% at facilities specializing in conditions affecting mobility — and staff must be trained to operate the equipment and assist with transfers. Advocates say inaccessible equipment has long contributed to missed screenings and worse health outcomes for people with disabilities. Readers who have been unable to be weighed or examined at a provider’s office can now point to a specific federal standard when requesting accommodations.
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