On May 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published a final rule updating regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program and activity receiving federal financial assistance. The rule went into effect on July 8, 2024.

In addition, on April 26, HHS issued a final rule updating regulations implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in covered health programs and activities.  

OCR has issued a Dear Colleague Letter that summarizes the obligations under both 504 and 1557, as well as two documents that address requirements under Section 504 on the accessibility of medical diagnostic equipment and requirements to provide accessible web content, mobile apps, and kiosks. 

Health care providers are also encouraged to visit the OCR Section 504 web page and the Section 1557 web page for additional information on their disability nondiscrimination obligations.