Based on the Department of Justice (DOJ) medical diagnostic equipment rule and RESNA standards, the accessibility requirements for weight scales and exam chairs are as follows:

Weight Scales

• Platform Height: The scale must have a platform height no higher than 2 to 3 inches above the floor to allow wheelchairs to roll on directly, or it must accommodate a transfer board approach.
• Stability: Handrails must be provided on both sides of the scale to ensure patient stability during the weighing process.
• Weight Capacity: Scales should have a minimum weight capacity of 600 lbs to safely accommodate bariatric patients along with their mobility devices.
• Functional Design: The design must allow patients to remain seated in their wheelchairs, eliminating the need for risky stand-and-transfer maneuvers.

Exam Chairs

• Transfer Height: Compliant chairs must have an adjustable seat height that can reach a low transfer range, typically between 17 and 22 inches. This allows patients to slide from a wheelchair with minimal vertical effort.
• Armrests: The chair must feature removable armrests to clear a lateral path for transfers from a wheelchair to the chair seat.
• Support and Stability: Essential design features include a supportive backrest and a stable base to ensure patient safety during evaluations.

Healthcare providers must ensure a designated percentage of this equipment meets these standards by the July 8, 2026 compliance deadline.

• ADA Accessible Medical Equipment Deadlines 2026: Key Guide