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HD 1942

An Act mandating retrofitting accessibility for all medical facilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Flanagan

HD 1942: An Act Mandating Retrofitting Accessibility for All Medical Facilities OverviewBill Number: HD 1942 Title: An Act mandating retrofitting accessibility for all medical fac

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Bill Summary · HD 1942

HD 1942: An Act Mandating Retrofitting Accessibility for All Medical Facilities

Overview

Bill Number: HD 1942
Title: An Act mandating retrofitting accessibility for all medical facilities
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this proposed legislation is to improve accessibility and inclusivity in the healthcare system by requiring all existing medical facilities to undergo retrofitting to meet updated accessibility standards. The bill aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to essential medical services and can fully participate in their own healthcare.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and other medical facilities to undergo renovations and retrofitting within 5 years to meet updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines
  • Mandates specific accessibility improvements, including:
    • Widening doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices
    • Installing automatic doors, ramps, and elevators where needed
    • Ensuring exam tables, scales, and other medical equipment are height-adjustable
    • Providing accessible signage, lighting, and wayfinding for those with visual or hearing impairments
  • Establishes a state-funded grant program to help offset the costs of retrofitting for small, non-profit, and under-resourced medical facilities
  • Empowers the state Department of Health to enforce compliance and levy fines for facilities that fail to meet the new accessibility requirements

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact all medical facilities and providers in the state, requiring them to invest in accessibility upgrades. Patients with disabilities would benefit from improved access to healthcare services and greater ability to actively participate in their own care. The grant program is intended to ease the financial burden on smaller or resource-constrained facilities.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 1942 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health for initial review. If passed, the bill would give medical facilities a 5-year timeline to complete the required retrofitting and accessibility improvements. The state Department of Health would be responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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