New Federal Requirements for Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment: What Hospitals and Providers Need to Know Before the 2026 Deadline

With the compliance deadline now just days away, hospitals, health systems, and physician practices should be aware of the new federal requirements for accessible medical diagnostic equipment (MDE). Final rules issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) establish enforceable standards designed to remove barriers for routine medical care for patients with physical disabilities.

Background and Scope

The U.S. Access Board, an independent federal agency charged with developing accessibility guidelines and standards to promote equality for people with disabilities, has established detailed technical standards for accessible MDE.  The guidelines specify what features medical equipment must have to be usable by patients with disabilities. In 2024, the DOJ adopted these standards through regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), extending requirements to state and local governmental entities. HHS adopted the same standards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, making them binding on all entities that receive federal financial assistance—including providers participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other HHS-funded program.

For purposes of these rules, MDE is defined to include, but is not limited to:

• examination tables
• examination chairs used for eye, dental, or other procedural exams
• weight scales
• mammography equipment
• x-ray machines
• other imaging devices

The requirements apply to doctors, dentists, hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, and other health care providers that use MDE in delivering services.

Key Requirements

By July 8, 2026, covered providers (excluding Governmental entities) that utilize examination tables and weight scales must have in place at least one accessible examination table and one accessible weight scale. Governmental entities have until August 9, 2026 to comply.

More broadly, covered providers must ensure that at least 10 percent of each type of MDE is ADA accessible, with a minimum of one accessible unit per type. Providers specializing in conditions that affect mobility (e.g. rehabilitation and physical therapy) are subject to a 20 percent threshold. Accessible equipment must satisfy the Access Board’s technical standards.

It is important to note that any MDE purchased, leased, or acquired after July 8, 2024, must meet accessibility standards.

Even where a provider has not yet reached its percentage threshold, it may not deny services to a patient with a disability due to a lack of accessible equipment.  Separately, and regardless of threshold status, providers must ensure that qualified staff are available to operate accessible MDE, that patients with disabilities receive active assistance in transferring to and positioning on the equipment, and that accessible MDE is situated within the facility so that it is physically reachable and readily usable.

With the July 8, 2026 deadline quickly approaching, providers should be aware of their current inventory and confirm it meets the MDE requirements.