Sponsored – MTI
Confusion is widespread in the healthcare market as new ADA-related requirements for medical diagnostic equipment approach enforcement deadlines in 2026. In a recent Repertoire Magazine podcast interview, Publisher Scott Adams spoke with Brad Baker, President of MTI. The conversation focused on what the ADA accessibility requirements actually mean for medical diagnostic equipment, what healthcare providers need to do ahead of 2026 enforcement deadlines, and how distributor reps can help.
1. The ADA rules are moving from guidance to enforcement
According to Baker, much of the confusion comes from the shift from voluntary standards to enforceable requirements. As he noted on the podcast, “the Access Board comes up with the standards, but they are not an enforcing body, their standards are voluntary.” While the U.S. Access Board developed technical specifications starting in the 2010s, enforcement is now being applied through federal agencies, changing the landscape from recommendation to requirement.
2. Two key compliance deadlines are approaching in 2026
Baker outlined two important deadlines discussed in the interview. Healthcare organizations receiving federal funding through HHS, including Medicare and Medicaid participation, must comply by July 8, 2026. State and local government entities fall under DOJ enforcement, with a deadline of August 9, 2026. He emphasized that “nothing about the standard is changing — just enforcement is kicking in.”
3. Compliance hinges on a 17–19 inch exam chair standard
A major source of confusion is exam chair height requirements. Baker explained that the enforceable standard is a 17–19 inch transfer height range, measured at the highest point of the transfer surface without compressing upholstery. Each compliant chair must also include a transfer support. He stressed that “there is no enforceable 17-inch-only rule,” noting that inconsistent measurement methods manufacturers have used for years are often not in alignment with the requirements specific measuring method and have created widespread misinformation in the market.
4. Facilities must equip at least 10% of exam rooms
Compliance extends beyond individual equipment purchases. Under the current interpretation discussed in the podcast, providers must ensure that at least 10% of exam rooms across all locations include ADA-compliant exam chairs. This has significant operational implications, particularly for multi-site health systems managing large-scale upgrades. Baker summed up the requirement simply: “It’s Medicare, Medicaid, or government entity — 17- to 19-inch chair with transfer support in 10% of rooms.”
5. Tax credits can help offset implementation costs
Baker also highlighted financial incentives that can reduce the cost of compliance. The Section 44 Disabled Access Credit provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying accessibility-related purchases. In addition, Section 179 deductions may allow providers to write off remaining equipment costs depending on their tax situation. As he noted, these tools can make compliance significantly more manageable for smaller practices.
As Baker explained during the Repertoire Podcast, much of the market confusion is driven by outdated manufacturer specifications and inconsistent manufacturer measurement practices still circulating in the industry. To help address this, manufacturers like MTI are offering compliance tools, calculators, and educational resources to support providers and distributors ahead of enforcement deadlines.