House Bill No. 5200, Public Act No. 24-113, is an act concerning health care accessibility for persons with a disability, effective July 1, 2024. The bill amends Section 19a-490dd of the general statutes by inserting new definitions and requirements for health care facilities and practice locations. It introduces the term "commercially reasonable price," which refers to a price that does not exceed the fair market value of medical diagnostic equipment that meets the standards for accessibility. It also redefines "health care facility" to include hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospice facilities, and adds "practice location" to the entities required to consider standards for accessibility when purchasing medical diagnostic equipment. The bill further defines "medical diagnostic equipment" and "standards for accessibility," the latter being the technical standards developed by the federal Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.

The bill mandates that each health care facility and practice location must train staff, designate a contact for patient access needs, and take inventory of medical diagnostic equipment in relation to accessibility standards. By January 1, 2026, health care facilities and practice locations with three or more examination rooms are required to verify that new or replaced medical diagnostic equipment complies with accessibility standards and to have accessible examination tables, chairs, and weight scales. Exceptions to these requirements are outlined, including situations where equipment is not commercially available at a reasonable price, where compliance is delayed by necessary approvals from municipal or state agencies, or where facilities meet criteria for exclusion or exemption under federal laws protecting persons with disabilities. Additionally, the Department of Public Health is directed to accept compliance with nationally established facility guidelines for health care construction when reviewing a health care facility's construction or alteration plans necessary to comply with these provisions. Regulations to implement these provisions will be adopted in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 402:
APP Joint Favorable:
File No. 665:
Public Act No. 24-113: