Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed a final regulation under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on the 34th anniversary of the ADA. The rule is designed to enhance the accessibility of medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) for individuals with disabilities. The rule pertains to apparatus that is indispensable for the provision of fair medical treatment, including medical examination tables, dental chairs, x-ray machines, and mammography machines. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division highlighted the ongoing issues faced by people with disabilities, who often forgo necessary medical care due to inaccessible MDE.
The new rule clarifies how public entities like state or local government-operated hospitals and healthcare clinics can ensure ADA compliance. It adopts technical standards for accessible MDE and sets requirements to make accessible examination tables and weight scales more available. This will particularly benefit individuals who use wheelchairs, allowing them to receive comprehensive medical care. The Department of Justice has received numerous reports of individuals being denied critical healthcare services due to a lack of accessible equipment. This rule marks a significant step towards ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to necessary medical treatments.
