### About the Board’s Proposed Standards for Me d i cal Diagnostic Equipment

Provided here are answers to common questions about the Access Board’s development of new accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment, including a proposed

version of the standards recently made available for public comment.

Why is the Board developing these standards?

Access to diagnostic equipment has been problematic for people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. To address this issue, the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act of 2010 include d a provision t hat called upon the Access Board to prepare access standards for
such equipment. The Board , a leading resource on accessible design, has a long history of developing guidelines and standards under various laws that address access to the built environment, information and communication technology, and transit systems.

What do the standards address?

The proposed standards provide design criteria for vari ous types of accessible diagnostic equipment, including examination tables and chairs, weight scales, radiological equipment, and mammography equipment. The proposed standards address equipment that require s transfer from
wheelchairs and other mobility ai ds and include requirements for transfer surfaces, support rails, armrests, compatibility with lift devices, and other features

. Equipment that accommodates mobility aids is also
covered.

How were the standards developed?

The Board drew upon relevant provisions in its ADA Accessibility Guidelines for buildings and facilities as
a basis for the proposed standards, but also consulted available research, industry standards, and other resources. In addition, the Board held a public meeting in July 2010 to gather additional information and input from stakeholders and experts that included demonstrations of diagnostic equipment. The Board prepared the proposed standards in co nsultation with the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies.

What are the next steps in finalizing the standards?

The Board will review the comments re ceived and finalize the standards based on this input. To enhance outside collaboration and promote consensus, the Board will organize an advisory committee representing stakeholder groups to provide guidance to the Board on how the standards should be
finalize d. The committee will include representation from disability groups, equipment manufacturers, health care providers, standard

- setting organizations, and other interested parties . The Board will issue

a notice in coming weeks inviting applications from th ose interested in serving on the committee. All committee meetings will be open to the public.

1Who is required to comply with these standards?

The standards for diagnostic equipment, as issued by the Board, will not be mandatory on health care providers or equipment manufacturers. The Department of Justice (DOJ) may adopt the standards to
address access to health care services and facilities under the ADA. The Board is consulting with DOJ in the development of the standards. However, any action by DOJ to adopt the standards as requirements will occur separately from the Board’s rulemaking.

Doesn’t the A DA already require access for individuals with disabilities to health care ?

The ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibit discrimination based on disability and require access to services and facilities, including health care. Health care providers must provide
individuals with dis abilities full and equal access to health care services and facilities, according to DOJ, which regulates and enforces key requirements of the ADA. DOJ, in cooperation with the Department of
Health and Human Services , previously issued ADA and Section 504 guidance on access to medical care that includes information on accessible medical diagnostic equipment. This guidance is available on
DOJ’s website at www.ada.gov . DOJ may adopt the Board’s standards , once finalized, in its ADA implementing regulations to establish mandatory requirements for health care providers for accessible medical diagnostic equipment for ADA purposes.

How can I get further updates on th e Board’s standards for diagnostic equipment ?

Those interested in this rulemaking can sign up to receive email updates on the Board’s website at

www.access

- board.gov . Additional information will be posted on the Board’s website as it becomes available. Questions should be directed to Earlene Sesker at sesker@access

- board.gov, (202) 272

- 0022 (v ), or (202) 272

- 0091 (TTY).



### U N I T E D S T A T E S A C C E S S B O A R D 1331 F Street, NW Suite 1000 • Washington, DC 20004

- 1111 • www.access

- board.gov February 9 , 201 2
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