Amendment #159 to H4617

Accessible Medical Equipment

Representatives Provost of Somerville, Hecht of Watertown, Tosado of Springfield, Scaccia of Boston, Ashe of Longmeadow, Decker of Cambridge, Rogers of Norwood, Lewis of Framingham and Hawkins of Attleboro move to amend the bill by adding the following section:

SECTION XXX. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 5S the following new section:-

Section 5T. (a) The department shall incorporate into its regulations governing licensure of health care facilities, including, but not limited to, hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, hospice programs and hospital dialysis units, requirements that such health care facilities secure accessible medical diagnostic equipment that meets or exceeds the technical standards for accessibility developed by the U.S. Access Board in accordance with 36 C.F.R. Part 1195 when replacing or purchasing new equipment, including, but not limited to examination tables, examination chairs, weigh scales, mammography equipment, x-ray, imaging and other diagnostic radiological equipment. Health care facilities licensed by the department must maintain operable accessible diagnostic medical equipment at a level that meets the needs of its patient population.

(b) The department shall issue guidance to licensed physicians regarding the technical standards for accessibility developed by the U.S. Access Board in accordance with 36 C.F.R. Part 1195.  Such guidance shall also describe best practices for the safe provision of health care to individuals with accessibility needs.

SECTION XXX. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting in section 25C, the following new subsection:-

(o) The department shall evaluate the availability of, or need for, accessible diagnostic medical equipment that meets or exceeds the technical standards for accessibility developed by the U.S. Access Board in accordance with 36 C.F.R. Part 1195 when making a determination of need.