ADA Power Medical Exam Tables
starts here.
Understand what is required
17 – 19 Inch Transfer Height
is the Law
Only 10 – 20% of Tables
Must Comply
Compliance Enforcement
is Underway
All Brewer Power Exam Tables are Fully Compliant
with 17″ Seat Height
with 17″ Seat Height
Key Milestones in ADA Enforcement
FAQs
As of 2024, the DOJ and HHS enforce the 2017 U.S. Access Board standards, requiring exam tables to have a low transfer height between 17–19 inches.
No. Facilities must ensure that 10–20% of their exam tables (and other diagnostic equipment) meet the standard, depending on the healthcare setting.
In 2024, the U.S. Access Board issued a new recommendation to lower the minimum transfer height to 17 inches.
This is not enforceable. For it to become law, DOJ and HHS would need to initiate a formal rulemaking process—a lengthy, uncertain step that hasn’t been started.
A recommendation is a proposed best practice from the Access Board. A regulation becomes enforceable only when adopted by DOJ or HHS through rulemaking. Currently, the enforceable regulation is the 17–19 inch range.
Federally Funded Clinics and Facilities
Enforced under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by HHS (Health and Human Services).
Applies to providers that receive federal financial assistance (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid).
State and Local Government Healthcare Facilities
Enforced under Title II of the ADA by the DOJ (Department of Justice).
Applies to public hospitals, clinics, and any healthcare setting operated by state/local governments.
No. The standards also cover scales, diagnostic chairs, and imaging equipment—not just exam tables. Requirements vary by equipment type.
Yes. All Brewer power exam tables meet the 17–19 inch requirement and all applicable accessibility standards under the 2017 regulations. No upgrades or modifications are needed.
July 8, 2026 – Federally funded facilities must have at least one compliant exam table and scale.
August 9, 2026 – State and local facilities must meet the same requirement.
Transfer surface size and firmness
Lift compatibility
Support rails or assist handles
Wheelchair accessibility
Reachable controls
Standing support and communication features
Additional Resources
A distributor-focused overview that simplifies the impact of the new regulations.
https://repertoiremag.com/new-requirements-for-medical-diagnostic-equipment.html
FEDERAL REGISTER – DOJ RULE ON MDE ACCESSIBILITY
Official publication detailing the DOJ’s rule on the accessibility of medical diagnostic equipment for state and local governments.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/09/2024-16889/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-medical-diagnostic-equipment-of-state
EPSTEIN BECKER GREEN LAW FIRM – ADA COMPLIANCE FOR MDE WEBINAR
Hosted by legal experts at Epstein Becker Green, this insightful session breaks down the new regulations, clears up industry confusion, and answers key questions about what healthcare providers and suppliers need to do to comply. (Registration required to access.)
https://www.ebglaw.com/insights/events/breaking-barriers-toward-inclusive-health-care-new-ada-title-ii-regulations-require-accessible-medical-diagnostic-equipment
ADA NATIONAL NETWORK – OVERVIEW OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ACCESSIBILITY
Useful ADA guide for understanding equipment accessibility in healthcare settings.
https://adata.org/factsheet/accessible-medical-examination-tables-and-chairs
GATHERING STRENGTH – OVERVIEW OF NEW MDE RULES
Provides an overview of the new rules on medical diagnostic equipment and their impact on healthcare access.
https://gatheringstrength.org/new-rules-on-medical-diagnostic-equipment-improve-healthcare-access/
Experience the Brewer standard.
