About the Board’s Proposed Standards for Medical 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 included a provision that 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 various 

types of accessible diagnostic equipment, including 

examination tables and chairs, weight scales, radiological 

equipment, and mammography equipment. The proposed 

standards address equipment that requires transfer from 

wheelchairs and other mobility aids 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 consultation with the Food and Drug Administration and

other agencies.

What are the next steps in finalizing the standards?

The Board will review the comments received 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 

finalized. 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 those interested in serving on the committee. All 

committee meetings will be open to the public. 

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Who 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 ADA 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 disabilities 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 the 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, 2012

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