ADA Standards
starts here.
Understand what is required
17 – 19 Inch Transfer Height
is the Law
Only 10 – 20% of Tables
Must Comply
Compliance Deadlines
are Already in Motion
All Brewer Power Exam Tables are Fully Compliant with DOJ & HHS ADA Standards
Exam Table Requirements:
Low Transfer Height Range
Exam tables adjust between 17-19 inches to support safe, accessible patient transfers
Seated Transfer Surface
Must be at least 21″ wide by 17″ deep to meet the ADA requirement for seated-position equipment transfers.
Two-Side Transfer Access
Side and End Access allows patient transfers from both the long and short side of the exam surface.
Support Rails & Armrests
Assist handles must be available to provide stability and confidence for patients during transfers and repositioning.
Leg Stability Standards
Leg supports must be provided with stirrups to safely position & stabilize patients with limited leg strength.
Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
ADA standards can be confusing. Get expert guidance tailored to your facility and patient needs.
ADA Requirement | Access PLUS | FLEX PLUS | Assist |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
17″-19″ Low Seat Height | |||
21″×17″ Transfer Surface | |||
Support Armrests | |||
Two Side Transfers | |||
Leg Support Requirement | |||
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.
No. The standards also cover scales, diagnostic chairs, and imaging equipment—not just exam tables. Requirements vary by equipment type.
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.
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.
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.
