Safe Patient Handling 
Gold Rollboards 
As healthcare facilities strive to provide equitable care for all patients, accessibility has become a critical focus—especially when it comes to medical diagnostic equipment. Health o meter® Professional Scales, a leading U.S. manufacturer, has released a comprehensive Stand-on Scale Accessibility and Compliance Guide to help providers meet new federal standards and ensure safe, inclusive care environments.
Why Accessibility Matters in Medical Equipment
Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), healthcare providers must ensure that individuals with disabilities receive medical treatment with the same convenience, safety, and comfort as any other patient. This includes access to diagnostic tools like weight scales, which are essential for routine and specialized care.
The U.S. Access Board’s Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE) Standards, effective October 8, 2024, require that all newly acquired equipment by state and local government entities be accessible. Facilities must meet minimum compliance thresholds by August 9, 2026:
- 10% of total units must be accessible (minimum one unit)
- 20% for mobility rehabilitation facilities
What Makes a Stand-On Scale ADA Compliant?
To meet the MDE standards, stand-on scales must incorporate specific features:
- Slip-Resistant Surface – Ensures patient safety during use.
- Dual Standing Supports – Handrails must be present on both sides of the platform.
- Handrail Height – Gripping surfaces must be between 34" and 38" above the platform.
These features are designed to support individuals with impaired mobility—not just wheelchair users, but also those with gait issues, weakness, or lower extremity limitations.
HOM’s Stand-On ADA Compliant Solutions
Health o meter® Professional offers two stand-on scale models that meet these rigorous standards:
These scales are the only ADA-compliant stand-on scales independently certified by a third party, making them a reliable choice for facilities aiming to meet compliance deadlines.
Beyond Compliance: Enhancing Patient Safety
Accessible scales don’t just fulfill legal requirements—they also help reduce risks like in-patient falls, which are monitored under the Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction Program by CMS. By investing in compliant equipment, facilities can improve both patient safety and care quality.
Resources and Next Steps
To learn more about the technical requirements, visit the Access Board’s Chapter M3. For facilities looking to upgrade, HOM provides guidance and certified products to support your compliance journey. Contact us at 1-800-815-6615 or visit our ADA resource page to learn more and download the Accessibility Guides.