As a medical facility owner, it is important to be aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and what it requires. ADA compliance is vital for hospitals and other medical centers to provide a safe and welcoming environment for patients and visitors..jpg)
ADA Checklist for Health Care Facilities
The Department of Justice published a checklist to help healthcare facilities ensure their buildings and grounds are accessible to people with disabilities. The list covers a range of topics, from parking signs to patient rooms and restrooms.
Some key requirements for hospitals include:
Wheelchair-accessible entrances, exits, and routes throughout the facility
Braille and tactile signs with large print
At least one wheelchair-accessible patient room on each floor
Restrooms for people with disabilities, which include grab bars, shower seats, and portable toilets
Public telephones accessible to people in wheelchairs
Drinking fountains accessible to people in wheelchairs
In addition to the above requirements, hospitals must also ensure their staff is trained to help people with disabilities. This includes knowing how to operate adaptive equipment patients use, such as electric beds and lifts.
What are the ADA Requirements for Emergency Rooms?
Emergency rooms must meet the same accessibility requirements as other hospital areas; however, they must have:
An accessible route from the entrance to the triage area
At least one wheelchair-accessible examination room
A nurse’s station accessible to people in wheelchairs
An area where patients can receive treatment in privacy
What are the ADA Requirements for Parking Lots?
ADA requirements for parking lots vary depending on the size and type of healthcare facility. For hospitals, the minimum number of accessible parking spaces required is:
One space for every 100 parking spaces of employee or visitor parking
One space for every 25 patient loading zones
One van-accessible space for every 8 wheelchair-accessible spaces
In addition, hospital parking lots must have signs which are visible from the parking spaces, including the international symbol of accessibility.
Hospitals must also provide accessible routes from the parking lot to the facility’s main entrance. These routes must be wide enough to accommodate people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
By following the ADA’s requirements, hospitals ensure their facilities are accessible to everyone. At FASTSIGNS® of Louisville, KY, we make all types of signs and graphics needed to meet ADA compliance requirements.