The US federal government has drafted a proposal to require health care providers to make real accommodations for disabled patients, “to ensure that MDE used by public entities to offer services, programs, and activities at places such as hospitals and other health care facilities is accessible to individuals with disabilities. MDE includes things like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, and radiological diagnostic equipment. Without accessible MDE, individuals with disabilities may not be afforded an equal opportunity to receive medical care, including routine examinations, which could have serious implications for their health. A lack of accessible MDE may also undermine the quality of care received by individuals with disabilities, “leading to delayed and incomplete care, missed diagnoses, exacerbation of the original disability, and increases in the likelihood of the development of secondary conditions.”
