As of October 8, 2024, new regulations from the U.S. Access Board require medical diagnostic equipment (MDE), including wheelchair scales, meet specific technical standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These new standards include specialized features that ensure the product is easily accessible and designed to keep patients safe. Though these new MDE requirements are important and valuable for the disabled community, they do present a challenge for healthcare facilities. Providers must ensure they have ADA compliant wheelchair scales and that they can adequately and safely weigh wheelchair-bound patients. Non-compliant equipment not only creates a barrier for patients but also puts facilities at risk of ADA violations, which can result in fines or lawsuits.
But how do facilities know if their wheelchair scales are ADA compliant and meet the new standards? If new equipment needs to be purchased, what features should the provider look for?
What Makes a Wheelchair Scale ADA Compliant?
To be considered compliant under the Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE) Standards, a wheelchair scale must meet several technical criteria:?
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1 – Platform Width
The platform area where the wheelchair is placed during weighing must be 36"wide. If the platform height is lower than 4” high, the platform width requirement is 32”. This width requirement ensures sufficient area for the patient’s wheelchair to fit onto the platform and allows space on each side of the wheelchair so the patient does not hit their elbows on a piece of the equipment.
2 – Platform Depth
If the scale features “Pass Through Entry”, meaning ramps on each side of the platform, the depth requirement is 40" deep minimum.
For “Front or Rear Entry”, where entry and exit are provided at only one end (front or rear) the depth requirement is 48” minimum.
“Side Entry,” where wheelchair entry is only from the side, the depth requirement is 60” minimum.
On front, rear, or side entry scales, a larger platform is needed to allow enough space for the wheelchair to be turned around 180° when removing the wheelchair from the platform.
3 – Platform Edge Protection
Wheelchair scales that have a platform height higher than 1 ½” require edge protection. This edge must be 2" high minimum, measured from the surface of the platform, and must be on all non-entry/exit sides. Edge protection prevents the patient’s wheelchair from falling off the platform and is a significant safety feature.
4 – Ramp Running Slope
Ramp runs must have a running slope no steeper than 1:12. If the ramp height is lower than 2 ½” tall, a 1:8 running slope is permitted. A gentle slope allows for easier accessibility when rolling onto the scale.
5 – Ramp Edge Protection
Ramps with drop-offs of 1/2" or higher must provide a 2” edge protection. The edge requirement prevents the patient’s wheelchair from falling off the ramp when rolling onto the scale.
ADA Compliant Certification
In addition to ensuring a scale includes all the features noted above, providers should also look for products that have been independently certified as ADA compliant. Third-party certification confirms that the equipment meets MDE standards and is in compliance with specified federal and state accessibility codes and standards. By using a certified product, facilities can be assured their scale is in compliance with the U.S. Access Board’s regulations for medical diagnostic equipment.
Beyond ADA Compliant Equipment
For a facility to be considered ADA compliant, the requirements are more than just utilizing ADA compliant equipment, there are also rules regarding how the equipment is installed. Part of the new ADA standards for medical devices include specific space requirements surrounding the equipment. For example, 60” of maneuvering clearance is required and must be a continuous, accessible route, allowing for movement around the equipment. By outlining minimum clearance space, this ensures the patient can safely and easily approach the equipment without barriers or hindrances. Providers should consult with their ADA coordinators and facilities management teams to ensure new equipment is installed following ADA space requirements.
Accessible Care
Utilizing ADA compliant equipment is not just a legal obligation, it is a commitment to providing inclusive healthcare. The intention of these new requirements is to ensure the equipment is accessible and that it can be utilized independently by all patients. Any person with a disability has a right to receive medical treatment as conveniently, safely, and comfortably as any other patient. By investing in accessible equipment, providers can also have peace of mind knowing they are not only meeting ADA requirements but also giving patients a secure and dignified healthcare experience.
Health o' meter Professional Scales are the answer to ensuring your facility is ADA compliant.
2620KL Digital Wheelchair Scale With Dual Ramps And Extra-Large Platform, ADA Compliant
The 2620KL is ideal for doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and acute or long-term care facilities looking for an ADA compliant wheelchair scale. The 2620KL is the only wheelchair scale on the market that meets the new MDE standards for accessible diagnostic equipment and is Reviewed for ADA Compliance and Platinum Certified by Corada.
2600ADAKIT ADA Compliance Kit For 2600KL and 2610KL Wheelchair Scales
For facilities that already utilize Health o meter® Professional 2600KL or 2610KL series scales, this kit provides new components to modify an existing scale and bring it into compliance with the new MDE standards. Kit includes a platform edge guard and new ramps to modify an existing scale.
Shop CME for a full line of Health o meter Professional scales
Partner with CME Corp. for ADA Compliant Wheelchair Scales
CME is your go-to, one-stop-shop for ADA compliant wheelchair scales . We have a long-standing relationship with Health o meter Professional and can work with you to equip your facility with ADA certified wheelchair scales.
Our Direct-to-Site services assure wheelchair scales are delivered and installed when it is convenient for the facility. And, CME Biomedical Technicians will keep your Health o meter equipment up and running with preventative annual maintenance, service, or repair.
CHAT with us to share your wheelchair scale needs.
ADA Resources
For providers looking to learn more about the new ADA requirements for medical diagnostic equipment the full rules are available here: www.access-board.gov/mde/chapter-m3/. The ADA.gov site also has resources posted including this fact sheet: www.ada.gov/resources/2024-08-08-mde-fact-sheet/.
About Health o meter ® Professional: Health o meter Professional is a leading medical scale brand in the USA, offering a full range of digital, pediatric, wheelchair, and specialty scales. The only manufacturer with certified ADA-compliant scales, it leads in wireless and EMR-capable solutions. Since 1919, its weigheasier® culture has focused on quality, innovation, and customer experience.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.
