Advocates, clinicians and users press committee to fix long wheelchair repair waits; two bills advance debate

The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard extended testimony urging lawmakers to act on two measures—Senate bill S.210 and House bill H.1278—to set enforceable timelines and consumer protections for repairs and warranties of complex wheelchairs.

Advocates, clinicians and wheelchair users described widespread delays that leave people bedbound or hospitalized and stressed that fixes in the bills would reduce preventable injury and isolation. The hearing drew more than two dozen in-person and remote witnesses who spoke in favor, as well as industry representatives who urged negotiation on technical and warranty provisions.

Why it matters: Hundreds of Massachusetts residents rely on customized power and complex rehab technology to eat, bathe, sleep and work. Witnesses testified that current repair timelines—ranging from weeks to many months for parts and service—cause hospitalizations, pressure injuries and job loss. The bills discussed would: extend certain warranties,…