General Requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that individuals with disabilities have access to medical care services and access to the facilities where these services are provided.   As a medical care provider it is important to be aware of accessibility requirements for your office, exam room and building.

This article is adapted from “Access To Medical Care For Individuals With Mobility Disabilities,” by The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

Accessible Examination Room

An accessible exam room is the space where a patient will receive proper medical care. The room allows the patient with a mobility disability to enter, move around and be examined.  Some things to keep in mind:

• The route to and in the room is accessible with clear floor and turning space.
• The floor space on either side of the exam table should be a minimum of 30 inches by 48 inches.  This allows room for transfers from a wheelchair. 
• Additional space may be required to maneuver a portable patient lift or stretcher into position.

Accessible Medical Equipment

The most important piece of accessible medical equipment to meet the needs of an individual with a disability is the examination table. The types of examinations that will be performed will determine the table that will be used. A few components of a good examination table include the following:

• An adjustable-height examination table with the ability to lower to a height of 17”–19” is the optimal choice for an individual with a mobility disability. 
• Rails, handles or a transfer board will allow an independent patient to transfer to the exam table or chair. 
• Support rails, straps, stabilizing cushions, wedges or rolled up towels will ensure the comfort and safety of the patient once on the table. 
• Medical staff should be trained and available to assistant a patient if needed.
• Accessible scales provide important information when caring for a patient with a mobility disability.  The scale should have a (1) sloped surface, (2) edge protection at drop off, a (3) large platform to accomodate various wheelcair sizes, and (4) enough space to manuever on and off the scale.
• Radiologic and mammography equipment have specific protocols when used by individuals with a mobility disability. Often a lift onto the table or a height adjustment is required to perform the test.

Accessible Transfer Equipment

Not all patients need assistance, but for those who do have trouble getting on and off
a height adjusting exam table, various kinds of equipment can help. Here are a few types
of patient lifts to improve safety of the patient and staff:

• Portable floor lifts can be moved from room to room. A low height, adjustable width base can be positioned closer to the exam table and allow for easier transit and storage.
• Ceiling mounted lifts are permanently attached to the ceiling of the examination room and will move along tracks on the ceiling. While permanent, this is an option if the room has limited floor space.
• Free standing overhead lifts include an overhead track that is nonpermanent offering a good solution when overhead installation is not feasible.

How to Talk to Your Doctor

Watch a video from our “How To” series on YouTube for some great tips on talking to healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

People with mobility disabilities have varying levels of physical ability and it is important to note that they are not all the same.  Providing accessible medical equipment will not ensure access without proper staff training.  Ensure that medical staff are instructed on how to properly assist with transfers and lifts as well as encouraged to ask questions to provide a safe and accessible health care experience for people with disabilities.  For more information on Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Disabilities refer to the following:

Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities.  U.S. Department of Justice. http://www.ada.gov/medcare_mobility_ta/medcare_ta.htm#maneuvering

 2010 ADA Standards of Accessible Design. U.S. Department of Justice. http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm#c8