HHS Proposes New Rule to Prevent Discrimination Against Individuals with Disabilities

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a new rule, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance, to prohibit discriminatory practices against individuals with disabilities. The new rule intends to expand upon Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It would clarify already existing protections and implement new conditions within this act, including:

• Eliminate bias and discrimination in medical treatment decisions against individuals with disabilities;
• Clarify requirements for web, mobile, and kiosk accessibility;
• Establish standardized requirements for accessible medical equipment;
• Clarify requirements in HHS-funded child welfare programs and activities;
• Eliminate the use of value assessment methods on life-extension practices that discriminate against individuals with disabilities; and
• Clarify requirements to provide services in settings as requested by individuals with disabilities.

HHS is requesting public comment on the proposed rule that can be submitted here. Comments are requested by November 13.