Access Board Proposes Standards for Medical Diagnostic Equipment

Comments Due on June 8, 2012

The U.S. Access Board has released for comment accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment. The proposed standards address access to equipment including examination tables and chairs, weight scales, mammography equipment and other equipment used for diagnostic purposes.

 Please make note of three significant dates with regard to this comment period:

• public hearing in Washington, D.C. on March 14, 2012

• public hearing in Atlanta, GA on May 8, 2012

• close of 120-day comment period on June 8, 2012

The standards provide design criteria that will allow independent access to diagnostic equipment, including types that require transfer from wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Provisions address transfer surfaces, support rails, armrests, compatibility with lift devices and other features to facilitate transfer. Equipment that does not require transfer from wheelchairs or that is used in a standing position is also addressed.

Although health care providers are not currently required to comply with the standards, DOJ or other federal agencies may adopt the standards as requirements for health care providers under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other laws. Any such action will occur separately from the Access Board's rulemaking.

The Access Board plans to organize a panel of stakeholders, including disability groups, equipment manufacturers, health care providers, standard-setting organizations, and other interested parties, to develop consensus recommendations on how the standards should be finalized based on the comments received. The Access Board will issue a notice inviting applications for committee membership in coming weeks.

For links to the proposed standards, the methods for submitting comments or more information, visit the Board's website or contact Earlene Sesker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , (202)272-0022 (v), or (202) 272-0091 (TTY).