Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 advances equity and protections for people with disabilities. For healthcare providers, this has always included:
- Access to medical treatment
- Accessible medical equipment
- Provision of interpretation and sign language assistance (Section 1557)
- Office accessibility
Many other areas were either recommendations or did not have binding application to small healthcare providers. The new amendment extends existing obligations and imposes new ones on all healthcare providers.
- Clarification of limited exceptions to the ability to provide care to disabled patients, including office accessibility
- Clarifications regarding obligations to make medical equipment accessible to those with disabilities
- New requirements related to website content, telehealth service provision, and social media platforms. Specifically, websites must now comply with WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.
Specifically, adherence to complex websites, mobile applications, online communications for appointments, and preliminary testing or history will be required for all healthcare providers who accept financial assistance from any Federal program (specifically, participants in Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage programs). Providers with 15 or more employees should already be in compliance; those with fewer than 15 employees must ensure compliance by May 10, 2027.
Providers are encouraged to consult with their EHR vendor and website developer for necessary changes. Providers should also conduct an office assessment of office design or medical testing and care that could pose limitations to the disabled. Violations of any Section of the Rehabilitation Act can include fines up to $55,000 for the first violation and up to $75,000 for any violation of the American Disabilities Act.
PPP members can find more detailed explanations and resources for website compliance in the Fraud and Abuse/General Compliance dashboard under Supporting Documents.
If you are not a PPP member, connect with our sales team to ensure you’re up to date on new compliance laws and have the tools to build a compliant, safe, and profitable practice.