HHS proposes updates to rule to protect patients, others with disabilities

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights Sept. 7 released a proposed rule intended to update and clarify requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in programs receiving financial assistance from the department, including health care. According to HHS, the proposed rule would ensure that medical treatment decisions are not based on biases or stereotypes about individuals with disabilities; prohibit the use of value assessment methods that place a lower value on life-extension for individuals with disabilities when used to limit access or to deny aids, benefits and services; establish enforceable standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment; and clarify obligations for accessible web and mobile applications and obligations to provide services in the most integrated setting appropriate to an individual’s needs. The rule will be published in the Sept. 14 Federal Register, with comments accepted for 60 days.