The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently updated its rules under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to improve web accessibility for people with disabilities. This change requires healthcare providers and organizations that receive federal funding to make their websites, apps, and digital platforms more accessible.
Let’s break down the key points of the new rule, how it impacts healthcare providers, and how the IRS Disabled Access Credit can help offset the costs of compliance.
What is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?
Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal financial support. This includes hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and public health organizations. While the law has always required physical spaces to be accessible, this new rule expands the requirements to include digital accessibility as well.
Key Features of the New HHS Accessibility Rule
The HHS rule introduces important requirements for healthcare websites and apps:
- WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance: Healthcare websites and mobile apps must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards. This means that websites need to be usable with screen readers, have proper alt text for images, and provide good color contrast, among other features.
- Accessible Telehealth: Telehealth platforms, which allow patients to access healthcare online, must also meet accessibility standards. This ensures that people with disabilities can easily use telehealth services.
- Communication: Forms, documents, and messages on websites must be accessible to people using assistive technologies, such as screen readers. Video content must have captions and audio descriptions where needed.
- Mobile App Accessibility: As more people use healthcare services on their smartphones, mobile apps must also comply with the same standards as websites.
- Enforcement and Deadlines: Organizations will have a set timeline to meet these new requirements. HHS will monitor compliance through audits, investigations, and by responding to complaints.
How This Rule Affects Your Organization
If your organization receives federal funding, this rule applies to you. This means you’ll need to ensure your website and digital services meet accessibility standards. Non-compliance could lead to penalties and could also prevent you from serving all of your patients effectively.
It’s important to conduct a website audit and identify where accessibility issues exist. From there, you can work with a team to fix the problems and ensure ongoing compliance.
Help from the IRS Disabled Access Credit
Making your website and digital platforms accessible can be costly, but there’s financial help available. The IRS Disabled Access Credit allows small businesses to claim up to 50% of the costs of accessibility improvements, up to $5,000 in tax credits each year.
To qualify, your business must have either gross receipts of $1 million or less or 30 or fewer full-time employees. The credit can be applied to costs like:
- Upgrading your website for accessibility
- Purchasing accessible technology or equipment
- Paying for audits and consultations to ensure compliance
Steps to Take Now
To comply with the new HHS rule, here’s what you should do:
- Audit Your Website: Start by having your website and digital platforms reviewed for accessibility. This will help you understand where there are gaps.
- Fix the Problems: After identifying the issues, work with experts to fix them. This could involve coding changes, design adjustments, or content updates.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Web accessibility is an ongoing effort. Regular monitoring will help ensure that future updates or new content on your website continue to meet accessibility standards.
- Claim Tax Credits: Be sure to take advantage of the IRS Disabled Access Credit to help cover the costs of making these necessary updates.
To Wrap Up
The HHS’s update to Section 504 is an important step toward making healthcare services more accessible. By complying with this new rule, healthcare organizations can provide a better experience for all patients, avoid penalties, and access financial support to cover accessibility upgrades.
Start by scheduling an accessibility audit and see how the IRS Disabled Access Credit can help your organization stay compliant without excessive costs.
Get Started with an Accessibility Audit Today!
Website accessibility isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a way to ensure your digital presence is open to all users. Whether you need an initial audit, immediate remediation, or ongoing monitoring, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your accessibility audit and take the first step toward a more inclusive, accessible website.