Representatives of the Citizens Coalition for Equal Access briefed the council on recent Connecticut legislation requiring inventories and action plans for medical diagnostic equipment and urged further action to cover mechanical lifts and stronger enforcement.

The nut graf: The coalition said Public Act 24-113 requires facilities to inventory diagnostic equipment and prepare action plans but does not require assistance locating accessible providers, lacks enforcement mechanisms, excludes lifts and omits active requirements for imaging equipment that meets 2017 US Access Board standards.

Ruth (last name not provided), secretary of the Citizens Coalition for Equal Access, described the law's provisions and shortcomings and offered examples of transfers without compatible lifts and of a patient who was dropped while staff attempted manual transfers. "There is no requirement for an inaccessible medical office to help their patient with a disability to find a nearby provider who is accessible," she said, and she advocated for a proposed bill requiring at least one passive electric lift, multiple sling sizes supplied by the facility, and training for staff on safe-lift use.

The coalition acknowledged negotiated compromises with the medical community on cost concerns but said enforcement, outreach to patients about their rights, and inclusion of lifts in state requirements remain outstanding. They said they will work with state legislators on lift legislation during the next General Assembly session.

Ending: The RDAC asked the coalition to provide draft language and to coordinate with patient groups and clinical partners to prepare a legislative approach addressing lifts, sling compatibility, and guidance for referrals to accessible providers.