The Pacific ADA Center position statement on healthcare accommodations

The Pacific ADA Center provides resources, training, and support to improve awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Pacific ADA Center serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada & the Pacific Basin.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that prevents discrimination against people with disabilities. Healthcare facilities, like hospitals and doctors’ offices, have to follow ADA requirements. Some patients who visit healthcare facilities have disabilities that make them more likely to contract diseases that are easily spread (such as COVID-19 or a lung virus like RSV). These patients also may be more likely to get very sick from these illnesses or take longer to get better. Healthcare facilities must provide reasonable accommodations to protect patients with these types of disabilities. Accommodations can include:

• telehealth (where it can be effective),
• a separate space to wait for appointments,
• masking by all staff located near the patient,
• better ventilation at the site by opening windows and running air filters, and
• other modifications.

If you have questions about your rights as a person with a disability or about your responsibilities as a healthcare provider, you can contact the Pacific ADA Center.

Phone: 1-800-949-4232