Safe Patient Handling 
Gold Rollboards 
Safety and accessibility – two critical features Health o meter® Professional Scales has always considered when designing new products. Following ADA guidelines is also a priority when providing essential equipment to the healthcare market. As the leading medical scale manufacturer in the U.S., it is our responsibility to provide guidance and support when the market’s requirements change.
In July 2024 the U.S. Access Board published technical standards for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) such as examination chairs, weight scales, and mammography equipment. The purpose of these technical requirements is to ensure any person with a disability can receive the medical treatment as conveniently, safely, and comfortably as any other patient within a healthcare setting. In light of this ruling, healthcare providers will need to have equipment that meets the new MDE standards and within a specified timeline.
- Starting October 8th, 2024: All medical device equipment acquired by state and local government entities, lease, or otherwise acquire must be accessible, until the entities have the amount of accessible MDE that the rule requires.
- Facilities have until August 9, 2026, to have at least 10% of the total units, but no fewer than one unit, meeting the standards (20% for mobility rehabilitation facilities). For example: If a hospital has 10 scales, they must have at least 1 unit that meets the standards.
These new requirements will be enforced by the Department of Justice under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If facilities fail to follow these new guidelines they may face lawsuits or settle agreements for not meeting their obligations to ensure accessibility under the ADA.
Providers should look to the equipment manufacturers for guidance on the applicable requirements. For wheelchair scales specifically, facilities should look for third-party product certification and ensure the scale incorporates the features outlined in the MDE accessibility standards.
Access Board Requirements (MDE) for Wheelchair Scales
Applicable chapter sections as noted. For full list of technical requirements: https://www.access-board.gov/mde/chapter-m3/
1. Width (M303.2.2)
Wheelchair spaces must be 36" (915 mm) wide minimum
- Exception: Wheelchair spaces located on raised platforms shall be permitted to be 32" (815 mm) wide minimum to a height of 4 in. (100 mm) measured from the platform surface
2. Depth – Pass Through Entry (M303.2.3.2)
Where wheelchair space entry and exit permits pass through from one end to the other, the wheelchair space must be at 40" deep (1016 mm) minimum
3. Platform Edge Protection (M303.2.6)
Where wheelchair spaces are provided on a platform raised more than 1 1/2" (38 mm) in height, edge protection 2" (51 mm) high minimum measured from the surface of the platform shall be provided on each side not providing entry to or exit from the equipment
4. Running Slope (M303.3.3.1)
Ramp runs must have a running slope no steeper than 1:12
- Exception: A running slope no steeper than 1:8 shall be permitted for ramp runs with a maximum height of 2 1/2" (64 mm)
5. Ramp Edge Protection (M303.3.3.4)
Ramps with drop-offs 1/2" (13 mm) or greater must provide edge protection 2" (50 mm) high minimum on each side with a drop off
Learn more about Health o meter® Professional Scales certified for ADA compliance products and the new MDE standards: /ada-mde/