Digital Accessibility Compliance Requirements for Healthcare Organizations

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Alabama does not have a comprehensive state-specific law mandating digital accessibility for all state agencies in the same vein as some other states. However, individual state agencies, including those in the healthcare sector like the Alabama Department of Public Health or the Alabama Medicaid Agency, would be expected to comply with federal ADA Title II and Section 508 requirements if they receive federal funding. State IT policies may exist at an agency level encouraging or requiring accessibility.

Standard Referenced: Typically aligns with federal standards like Section 508 and WCAG where implemented.

Key Provisions/Notes: Public healthcare entities in Alabama should primarily focus on meeting federal ADA Title II and Section 508 (if applicable) obligations. It’s advisable to check for any specific IT policies or accessibility guidelines issued by the Alabama Office of Information Technology or individual health-related state agencies.

Specific State Law/Policy: There are no specific Alabama state laws that broadly mandate private healthcare organizations to adhere to digital accessibility standards beyond the federal ADA and Section 1557 of the ACA. Alabama’s general anti-discrimination laws do not currently have explicit provisions or extensive case law applying them directly to private website accessibility in the same way as seen in some other states.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Alabama should prioritize compliance with federal ADA Title III and ACA Section 1557.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is expected to comply with these federal mandates.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Alaska’s state government has general policies and guidelines encouraging accessibility for state websites and digital resources, typically managed through its enterprise technology services. While there may not be a single, overarching state statute as explicit as in some other states, the state’s commitment to serving all citizens, combined with federal requirements, drives accessibility efforts within public bodies like DHSS.

Standard Referenced: Generally aligns with Section 508 and WCAG.

Key Provisions/Notes: Public healthcare organizations in Alaska must adhere to federal laws. They should also consult any IT directives or accessibility resources provided by the Alaska Department of Administration or relevant state IT bodies for state-specific expectations.

Specific State Law/Policy: There are no specific Alaska state laws that extend digital accessibility obligations to private healthcare organizations beyond federal requirements like the ADA and ACA Section 1557. Alaska’s anti-discrimination laws focus primarily on employment, housing, and public accommodations in a traditional sense, without specific amendments or broad legal interpretations covering private digital accessibility extensively.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare providers in Alaska should focus their digital accessibility efforts on meeting federal ADA Title III and ACA Section 1557 standards.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state’s Medicaid agency, and the Arizona Department of Health Services fall under these rules.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Arizona has established statewide information technology policies and standards through the Arizona Department of Administration Strategic Enterprise Technology (ADOA-ASET). These often include requirements or guidelines for web accessibility for state agencies, referencing federal standards like Section 508. For example, Policy P800 addresses Web Site Standards and Guidelines which include accessibility.

Standard Referenced: Typically Section 508, WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 AA.

Key Provisions/Notes: State agencies, including public health entities, are expected to make their websites and digital resources accessible. This ensures that state services provided online are available to all citizens, including those with disabilities. Agencies should refer to ADOA-ASET policies for specific requirements.

Specific State Law/Policy: Beyond federal mandates, Arizona state law (e.g., the Arizona Civil Rights Act) prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While this Act could potentially be interpreted to include websites, there isn’t as extensive a history of specific state-level litigation or explicit statutory language addressing private digital accessibility as seen in states like California.

Standard Referenced: If Arizona Civil Rights Act were applied to digital, WCAG would likely be the benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Primary compliance focus for private healthcare in Arizona should be on federal ADA Title III. However, adhering to WCAG is a best practice to mitigate risk under both federal and potentially state anti-discrimination laws.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), which includes the Division of Medical Services (Medicaid), has acknowledged the need to comply with Section 508, ADA, and WCAG for its systems.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Arkansas Act 308 of 2013 (codified as Ark. Code Ann. § 25-26-201 et seq.) requires the state’s Division of Information Systems (now part of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services) to develop and implement nonvisual access standards for information technology products and services used by the state. These standards apply to Arkansas government entities or state-funded programs.

Standard Referenced: The law specifically mandates text equivalents for non-text elements. State procurement policies and agency practices, such as those for the University of Arkansas system or the Department of Human Services, often require or aim for conformance with WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA and Section 508.

Key Provisions/Notes: This legislation ensures that state entities, including public health agencies and services, make their websites and IT accessible, with a particular emphasis on access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. There is an ongoing effort within the state to modernize service delivery with accessibility as a core component.

Specific State Law/Policy: There isn’t a specific Arkansas state law that broadly mandates private healthcare organizations to adhere to digital accessibility standards beyond the federal ADA and Section 1557 of the ACA. Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA) is a key advocacy group that works to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, which would encompass access to healthcare services, but this is generally framed within federal law.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Arkansas should primarily focus on federal ADA Title III and ACA Section 1557 compliance for their digital assets.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations. California has seen significant litigation under both the ADA and state law regarding website accessibility for private entities.

Specific State Law/Policy: California Government Code Section 11135 requires programs and activities funded by or receiving financial assistance from the state to be accessible to people with disabilities, effectively extending Section 508 standards. Additionally, Assembly Bill 434 (AB 434), enacted in 2017, requires state agencies and entities to post a certification of compliance with, at minimum, WCAG 2.0 Level AA (or a subsequent version like WCAG 2.1 AA) on their websites and to update this certification biennially. The California Department of Technology (CDT) provides oversight and resources.

Standard Referenced: WCAG 2.0 AA (or higher as per AB 434, with WCAG 2.1 AA being current best practice), Section 508.

Key Provisions/Notes: These laws create strong obligations for state public healthcare organizations, including the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), to ensure their websites, applications, and digital content are accessible. AB 434’s certification requirement adds a layer of accountability.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Unruh Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code Section 51) is a key state law that has been broadly interpreted by courts to apply to websites as “business establishments.” This means private businesses, including healthcare providers operating in California, can be sued under state law (in addition to the federal ADA) if their websites are not accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: While Unruh itself does not specify a technical standard, WCAG 2.0 AA or 2.1 AA is frequently cited as the de facto standard for compliance in legal actions and settlements.

Key Provisions/Notes: California presents a high-risk legal environment for digital accessibility non-compliance for private entities. Private healthcare organizations must proactively address the accessibility of their digital platforms to comply with both federal ADA and California’s Unruh Act, which can allow for statutory damages per violation.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Colorado House Bill 21-1110 (HB21-1110), signed into law in 2021, mandates that “government entities” make their digital information and services accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes state agencies, such as the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), as well as local government entities. The Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) was tasked with establishing rules and standards. Recent legislation, HB24-1454 (May 2024), provided updates including a one-year extension for immunity from liability under certain conditions until July 1, 2025, if entities make good faith efforts and meet specific posting requirements.

Standard Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the specific technical standard adopted by OIT.

Key Provisions/Notes: HB21-1110 and subsequent rules require public entities to develop accessibility plans, ensure new and updated digital content meets WCAG 2.1 AA, and provide accessibility statements with contact information. The law creates a private right of action for non-compliance after specified deadlines. HB24-1454 clarifies requirements for demonstrating good faith efforts.

Specific State Law/Policy: Colorado’s HB21-1110 directly applies to “government entities” and does not explicitly extend its mandates to private businesses, including private healthcare organizations, unless they are acting as government contractors for specific government services covered by the bill. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While CADA could theoretically be applied to websites, the primary driver for private entity digital accessibility in Colorado remains the federal ADA Title III.

Standard Referenced: N/A directly from HB21-1110 for private entities. If CADA were applied to digital, WCAG would likely be the benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Colorado should primarily focus on compliance with federal ADA Title III. While HB21-1110 shows Colorado’s strong stance on digital accessibility, its direct legal obligations are currently for public entities.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Connecticut has a state policy regarding the accessibility of State agency websites for individuals with disabilities. This policy is typically maintained by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and its Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology (BEST). It requires state agencies, including public health entities like the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) which administers Medicaid, to ensure their web content is accessible.

Standard Referenced: The state policy generally aligns with WCAG standards (often WCAG 2.0 AA or newer iterations like WCAG 2.1 AA) and Section 508.

Key Provisions/Notes: The policy applies to all Connecticut state government executive branch agencies and their websites, whether developed in-house or by third-party vendors. The aim is to provide equal access to state programs, services, and activities offered online. Agencies are responsible for implementing the policy and addressing accessibility issues.

Specific State Law/Policy: Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Chapter 814c, Human Rights and Opportunities, prohibits discriminatory practices in places of public accommodation. While the statute itself may not explicitly detail website accessibility, Connecticut’s Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) could potentially interpret “place of public accommodation” to include websites of private entities, similar to interpretations in other states. However, there is not extensive state-specific case law or explicit regulation directly mandating digital accessibility for private healthcare beyond federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: If CHRO were to apply accessibility standards, they would likely reference WCAG.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Connecticut should primarily focus on federal ADA Title III compliance. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 AA is best practice to mitigate risk under both federal law and potential interpretations of state anti-discrimination laws.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This includes entities like the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Delaware has established digital accessibility standards for state agencies through its Department of Technology and Information (DTI). These standards, often referred to as the Delaware State Web Standards, mandate that state agency websites and digital resources are accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: The state standards typically align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DHSS and other public health entities, are required to comply with these standards. This ensures that information and services provided online by the State of Delaware are accessible to all citizens. DTI may provide resources, training, and oversight.

Specific State Law/Policy: Delaware’s anti-discrimination laws (e.g., related to equal accommodations) primarily address discrimination in physical places of public accommodation. There isn’t a specific state statute or extensive case law in Delaware that explicitly mandates digital accessibility for private healthcare organizations beyond the requirements of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Delaware should focus their digital accessibility compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 AA is the best practice for meeting these obligations.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), which manages Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations. Florida has been a hotspot for ADA Title III website accessibility lawsuits.

Specific State Law/Policy: Florida Statutes Section 282.601 et seq. (Laws of Florida Chapter 2006-25, formerly House Bill 1247) address accessibility of information technology for persons with disabilities provided by or on behalf of the state. The Florida Digital Service (FL[DS]), formerly the Agency for State Technology, is responsible for establishing and maintaining standards and policies.

Standard Referenced: The state typically requires adherence to Section 508 standards and often references WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or more current versions). Rule 74-2, Florida Administrative Code, outlines accessibility standards for online courses and web content for public K-20 education, which reflects the state’s approach.

Key Provisions/Notes: State agencies are required to ensure that their websites, applications, and digital content are accessible. This includes providing accessible procurement specifications and ensuring that new and modified information technology is accessible.

Specific State Law/Policy: Florida does not have a state law equivalent to California’s Unruh Act that has been broadly and specifically applied to private website accessibility with statutory damages. The Florida Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, but federal ADA Title III has been the primary driver for digital accessibility lawsuits against private entities in Florida.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Given the high volume of federal ADA Title III lawsuits in Florida, private healthcare organizations must prioritize making their digital platforms accessible according to WCAG 2.1 Level AA to mitigate legal risk.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Department of Community Health (which manages Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: The State of Georgia has established web accessibility standards and guidelines applicable to state agencies, managed by the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA). These policies require state government websites and web-based applications to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: Georgia’s standards typically align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or more current versions like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies and entities covered by GTA policies are expected to comply. This includes ensuring that new and updated digital content is accessible, and providing training and resources to state employees. The aim is to provide equal access to government information and services for all Georgians.

Specific State Law/Policy: Georgia law does not have specific statutes that explicitly mandate digital accessibility for private healthcare organizations beyond the federal ADA. Georgia’s laws regarding equal access for persons with disabilities and public accommodations generally follow the federal framework.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Georgia should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended approach.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Hawaii State Department of Health and Med-QUEST Division (Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Hawaii Revised Statutes §27-5 requires state agencies to ensure that all information technology equipment and software used by the state meets or exceeds the accessibility standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Additionally, the state’s Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) may issue policies and guidelines for web accessibility for state agencies.

Standard Referenced: Section 508, which in turn aligns with WCAG (currently WCAG 2.0 AA, though WCAG 2.1 AA is best practice).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including public health entities, must procure, develop, maintain, and use information technology that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This ensures that state services and information are available to all residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 489 (Discrimination in Real Property Transactions) and Chapter 515 (Discrimination in Public Accommodations) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. While these statutes traditionally apply to physical spaces and services, there is potential for interpretation to include websites as places of public accommodation, similar to federal ADA interpretations. However, Hawaii has not seen the same volume of specific state-level digital accessibility litigation or explicit digital accessibility statutes for private entities as some other states.

Standard Referenced: If state anti-discrimination laws were strictly applied to digital content, WCAG would likely be the benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Hawaii should primarily focus on robust compliance with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Idaho has established policies for state agency website accessibility, often managed through its central IT authority or individual agencies. These policies generally require state websites and digital resources to be accessible to people with disabilities, aligning with federal requirements.

Standard Referenced: Typically aligns with Section 508 and WCAG standards.

Key Provisions/Notes: State agencies, including the Department of Health and Welfare, are expected to make their digital information and services accessible. This ensures compliance with federal law and provides equal access to all Idahoans.

Specific State Law/Policy: Idaho’s Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. However, similar to many states, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, nor is there extensive state-specific case law compelling it beyond the scope of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Idaho should focus their compliance efforts primarily on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA, adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA as their standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes entities like the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) (Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA) requires Illinois state agencies and universities to ensure that their websites, information systems, and electronic content are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) develops and maintains the IITAA standards.

Standard Referenced: IITAA standards are required to be substantially equivalent to or stricter than Section 508 and generally align with WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version (WCAG 2.1 AA is best practice).

Key Provisions/Notes: IITAA applies to all state agencies, including public health entities and state-funded healthcare programs. It covers websites, web applications, digital documents, and multimedia. Agencies must develop implementation plans and report on compliance. There is a process for filing complaints regarding non-compliance.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While there has been some legal activity in Illinois regarding website accessibility under the ADA, there isn’t a separate state statute that creates distinct or more stringent digital accessibility obligations for private healthcare entities than federal law.

Standard Referenced: If the Illinois Human Rights Act were applied to digital contexts, WCAG would likely be the reference standard.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Illinois should focus on robust compliance with federal ADA Title III and ACA Section 1557. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is strongly recommended given the active legal landscape nationwide.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This includes entities like the Indiana Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), which manages Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Indiana has an official state policy on electronic and information technology accessibility. The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) typically establishes and maintains these standards, requiring state agencies to ensure their websites and digital services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: The state’s standards generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including those in the public health sector, are expected to comply with these accessibility standards for their websites, applications, and digital content. This ensures equal access to information and services for all Indiana residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: Indiana’s Civil Rights Law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. However, this law does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and there is no extensive state-specific case law or separate statute compelling private website accessibility beyond the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Indiana should primarily focus their digital accessibility efforts on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Iowa Code §216A.13B requires the Department of Management’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to develop and maintain accessibility standards for state agency websites and information technology. These standards are intended to ensure that state government information and services are accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: Iowa’s standards typically align with Section 508 and WCAG.

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including Iowa HHS, must comply with these accessibility standards for their websites, applications, and digital documents. The OCIO provides guidance and resources to help agencies meet these requirements.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. While this act provides broad protections, it does not contain explicit provisions for digital accessibility of private entities, nor has there been significant state-level legal precedent establishing such requirements beyond the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Iowa should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Kansas has established Information Technology Policies, including those for web accessibility, applicable to state agencies. These are typically overseen by the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS). Policy ITEC 2510 (Web Page Accessibility), for example, addresses these requirements.

Standard Referenced: The state policies generally require compliance with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: State agencies, including KDHE and other public health bodies, are required to ensure their websites and digital content are accessible to individuals with disabilities, promoting equal access to state information and services.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Kansas Act Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. However, similar to many states, it does not specifically detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and state-level enforcement or litigation in this area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Kansas should focus on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Kentucky has an Enterprise Information Technology Policy (CIO-060) regarding Web Site Accessibility Standards, managed by the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT). This policy requires state agencies to ensure their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: The policy typically mandates compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or more current versions like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state executive branch agencies, including CHFS and its associated departments, must adhere to these standards for all new and redesigned websites. The goal is to ensure equal access to government information and services for all citizens.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Kentucky Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While this Act provides broad protections, it does not contain explicit provisions for digital accessibility of private entities, nor has there been significant state-level legal precedent establishing such requirements beyond the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Kentucky should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 49, Chapter 11, Part C (§1001-1004) addresses “Access to Electronic Information” and requires state agencies to provide access to electronic information and services for individuals with disabilities that is comparable to the access provided to the general public. The Office of Technology Services (OTS) typically provides standards and guidance.

Standard Referenced: The law requires state agencies to comply with accessibility standards equivalent to or exceeding those of Section 508. State guidelines often reference WCAG.

Key Provisions/Notes: All state departments, agencies, and institutions, including LDH, must ensure their websites and electronic information are accessible. This includes web pages, electronic documents, and applications.

Specific State Law/Policy: Louisiana law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in public accommodations. However, these laws generally do not have explicit provisions or extensive case law applying them specifically to private digital accessibility in a way that expands beyond federal ADA requirements.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Louisiana should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is recommended.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Maine has established policies and standards for state government website accessibility, usually overseen by the Office of Information Technology (MaineIT). These require state agency websites and online services to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All executive branch agencies, including DHHS, must ensure their digital platforms are accessible. This includes websites, applications, and electronic documents. The goal is to ensure that all Maine citizens have equal access to state information and services.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While the Act is broad, there is not a significant body of state-specific case law or explicit statutory language that extends digital accessibility requirements to private healthcare organizations beyond those imposed by the federal ADA. Some interpretations or complaints could potentially arise under the Act, but federal law is the primary driver.

Standard Referenced: If the Maine Human Rights Act were applied to digital contexts, WCAG would likely be the reference standard.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Maine should prioritize compliance with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard to ensure accessibility and mitigate risk.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Maryland has an Information Technology Nonvisual Access (ITNVA) policy, codified in the Maryland Code, State Finance and Procurement Article, §3A-301 through §3A-311. This requires state agencies to ensure that information technology equipment and software provide nonvisual access in a manner that is comparable to the access provided to individuals who are not blind or visually impaired. The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) sets the standards.

Standard Referenced: The ITNVA standards are required to meet or exceed Section 508. State guidelines often refer to WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including MDH, must comply with these requirements for procurement, development, and maintenance of IT. This covers websites, applications, and other digital resources, ensuring accessibility primarily for individuals with visual impairments but broadly benefiting all users with disabilities.

Specific State Law/Policy: Maryland’s anti-discrimination laws prohibit discrimination in places of public accommodation. While these laws provide general protections, they do not have explicit provisions detailing digital accessibility for private entities in the same comprehensive way as some other states’ specific digital accessibility laws. Federal ADA Title III is the primary driver for private digital accessibility.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Maryland should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and MassHealth (Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Massachusetts has established Web Accessibility Standards, developed and maintained by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS). These standards apply to all Executive Department agencies and their websites, including those of EOHHS.

Standard Referenced: The current Massachusetts Web Accessibility Standards require conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Key Provisions/Notes: All state executive branch agencies are required to ensure their websites, web applications, and digital content are accessible. This includes new development, redesigns, and ongoing maintenance. The standards aim to provide equal access to state government information and services for all residents and visitors.

Specific State Law/Policy: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B (Unlawful Discrimination) and Chapter 272, Sections 92A & 98 (Public Accommodations) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Massachusetts has a history of robust enforcement of civil rights, and the Attorney General’s office has shown interest in website accessibility issues. While specific digital accessibility statutes for private entities might not be as explicit as in some states, the broad anti-discrimination laws can be, and have been, interpreted to include websites.

Standard Referenced: If state anti-discrimination laws are applied to digital content, WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the widely accepted benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Massachusetts should prioritize compliance with federal ADA Title III and also be aware of potential scrutiny under state anti-discrimination laws. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is strongly recommended.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Michigan has accessibility standards and guidelines for state government websites and applications, often managed by the Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB). These policies aim to ensure that state-provided digital information and services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state departments and agencies, including MDHHS, are expected to follow these standards for their digital properties. This supports the state’s commitment to inclusivity and compliance with federal requirements.

Specific State Law/Policy: Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and services. While this law is comprehensive, there is not extensive state-specific case law or explicit statutory language that specifically details digital accessibility requirements for private entities beyond the scope of the federal ADA. However, like many state civil rights acts, its application to websites could be argued.

Standard Referenced: If PWDCRA were applied to digital contexts, WCAG would likely be the benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Michigan should primarily focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) which administers Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Minnesota Statute §16E.03, Subd. 9, requires the state’s Chief Information Officer (through Minnesota IT Services – MNIT) to develop and maintain accessibility standards for technology, including websites and applications, for state agencies. This is known as the State of Minnesota Accessibility Standard.

Standard Referenced: The State of Minnesota Accessibility Standard is based on Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA (agencies are encouraged to meet WCAG 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including MDH and DHS, must ensure their digital information, services, and systems comply with this standard. This includes websites, documents, applications, and multimedia. MNIT provides resources, training, and tools to assist agencies.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) prohibits discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of disability. The MHRA has been interpreted by courts in some instances to apply to websites as places of public accommodation. This means private businesses, including healthcare providers, could face claims under state law in addition to the federal ADA if their digital platforms are not accessible.

Standard Referenced: If the MHRA is applied to digital contexts, WCAG (specifically WCAG 2.1 AA) would be the widely accepted benchmark for accessibility.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Minnesota should prioritize compliance with federal ADA Title III and also be aware of the Minnesota Human Rights Act’s potential application to their websites and digital services. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is strongly recommended.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the Division of Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Mississippi has policies regarding electronic and information technology accessibility for state agencies, typically overseen by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS). These policies require state agencies to make their websites and digital services accessible.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including MSDH and the Division of Medicaid, are expected to comply with these standards to ensure equal access to information and services for all citizens.

Specific State Law/Policy: Mississippi law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public accommodations. However, these laws do not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and state-level enforcement or litigation in this specific area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Mississippi should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and MO HealthNet (Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Missouri has established accessibility standards for state websites and IT resources, managed by the Office of Administration’s Information Technology Services Division (ITSD). These policies require state agencies to develop and maintain accessible digital platforms.

Standard Referenced: Missouri’s standards are generally aligned with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DHSS and MO HealthNet, must ensure their websites, applications, and electronic documents are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The state provides guidelines and resources to support these efforts.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Missouri Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While this Act provides broad protections, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, nor is there extensive state-specific case law compelling it beyond the scope of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Missouri should focus their compliance efforts primarily on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA, adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA as their standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Montana has state IT policies that include requirements for web accessibility for state agencies. These are typically managed by the State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD). These policies aim to ensure that state government digital resources are accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DPHHS, are expected to adhere to these accessibility standards for their websites, applications, and digital content. This ensures compliance with federal mandates and promotes equal access for all Montanans.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Montana Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. While this Act provides broad protections, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, nor is there extensive state-specific case law compelling such requirements beyond the scope of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Montana should primarily focus their digital accessibility efforts on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Nebraska has established state web accessibility standards and guidelines, often overseen by the Nebraska Office of the CIO (OCIO). These policies require state agencies to ensure their websites and digital services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State standards generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or more current versions).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DHHS, are required to comply with these accessibility standards for their digital properties. This is to ensure equal access to information and services for all Nebraska residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: Nebraska’s public accommodations laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. However, these laws do not contain explicit provisions for digital accessibility of private entities, and state-level enforcement in this specific area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Nebraska should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Nevada Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Nevada has policies and standards for state agency website accessibility, usually managed by the state’s Enterprise Information Technology Services Division. These policies require state agencies to make their digital content and services accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DHHS, are expected to adhere to these standards for their websites, applications, and electronic documents, ensuring equal access to state resources for all Nevadans.

Specific State Law/Policy: Nevada law prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation on the basis of disability. While these laws provide general protections, they do not have explicit, detailed provisions for digital accessibility of private entities that go significantly beyond federal ADA requirements.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Nevada should focus on robust compliance with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: New Hampshire has established Web Accessibility Policies and Standards for state agencies, managed by the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). These policies require state government websites and online services to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including NH DHHS, are expected to comply with these accessibility standards. This includes websites, applications, and digital documents, ensuring equal access to state information and services.

Specific State Law/Policy: New Hampshire’s “Law Against Discrimination” (RSA 354-A) prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While this law offers broad protection, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and state-level enforcement in this specific area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in New Hampshire should focus their compliance efforts primarily on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS), which oversees Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: New Jersey has established policies requiring state government websites and applications to be accessible, often detailed in circular letters or standards from the New Jersey Office of Information Technology (NJOIT). These policies aim to ensure compliance with federal laws and provide equal access.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 AA or higher (WCAG 2.1 AA is best practice).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including NJDOH and DHS, must ensure their digital platforms are accessible. This includes procurement considerations, development practices, and ongoing maintenance of websites and digital content.

Specific State Law/Policy: The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) is a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. The LAD has been interpreted broadly and could potentially apply to websites. New Jersey has seen some state-level legal activity regarding website accessibility, making it important for private entities to be vigilant.

Standard Referenced: If LAD is applied to digital contexts, WCAG 2.1 Level AA would be the generally accepted standard.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in New Jersey should prioritize compliance with federal ADA Title III and be aware of the New Jersey LAD’s potential applicability. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is strongly recommended to mitigate legal risks.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the Human Services Department (HSD), which manages Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: New Mexico has policies and standards related to website accessibility for state agencies, typically issued or overseen by the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). These require state government websites and digital services to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State standards generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including NMDOH and HSD, are expected to comply with these accessibility standards for their websites and digital content, ensuring equal access to state information and services for all residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: The New Mexico Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. While this Act provides broad protections, it does not contain explicit provisions for digital accessibility of private entities, nor is there extensive state-specific case law compelling it beyond the scope of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in New Mexico should focus their compliance efforts primarily on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA, adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA as their standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and NYS Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. New York is a very active jurisdiction for ADA Title III website accessibility lawsuits.

Specific State Law/Policy: New York State has a policy, NYS-P08-005 “Accessibility of Web-Based Information and Applications,” issued by the NYS Office of Information Technology Services (ITS). This policy requires state entities to make their web-based information and applications accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: The policy requires compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA or a superseding version (currently WCAG 2.1 Level AA is best practice). It also references Section 508.

Key Provisions/Notes: This policy applies to all New York State Executive Branch agencies, including NYSDOH. It covers websites, web applications, and digital content. Agencies are responsible for ensuring compliance and providing accessible digital services to the public.

Specific State Law/Policy: The New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodation. Courts in New York have increasingly interpreted these laws, particularly the broader NYCHRL, to apply to websites. This creates a separate avenue for litigation beyond the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the widely accepted standard in legal actions and settlements under both federal and New York state/city laws.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in New York face significant legal risk if their websites are not accessible. Compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA is crucial to mitigate exposure under federal ADA, NYSHRL, and NYCHRL. The state and city human rights laws can sometimes offer broader protections or different remedies than the ADA.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: North Carolina has statewide policies and standards for electronic and information technology accessibility, often managed by the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT). These require state agencies to ensure their websites and digital services are accessible.

Standard Referenced: State standards generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including NCDHHS, are expected to comply with these accessibility requirements. This ensures that state-provided information and services are accessible to all North Carolinians.

Specific State Law/Policy: The North Carolina Persons with Disabilities Protection Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. However, this Act does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities in a way that significantly expands beyond federal ADA interpretations. Most digital accessibility legal actions in North Carolina against private entities are based on the ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in North Carolina should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: North Dakota has state IT policies and standards related to website accessibility for state agencies, generally overseen by North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT). These policies aim to make state digital resources accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State standards generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including NDHHS, are required to comply with these accessibility standards for their websites and digital content, ensuring equal access to information and services for all residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: North Dakota’s laws regarding public accommodations and discrimination on the basis of disability generally mirror federal ADA provisions. There are no specific state statutes that explicitly extend or detail digital accessibility requirements for private healthcare organizations beyond these federal mandates.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in North Dakota should focus their compliance efforts primarily on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA, adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA as their standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Department of Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Ohio has established state IT policies addressing accessibility, such as IT Policy ITP-F.2 – Web Site Accessibility Policy, managed by the Department of Administrative Services, Office of Information Technology (OIT). These policies require state agencies to ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally require compliance with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including ODH and the Department of Medicaid, must comply with these accessibility standards for their web-based information and services. The goal is to ensure that all Ohioans have equal access to state resources.

Specific State Law/Policy: Ohio’s Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While this Act is broad, there isn’t extensive state-specific case law or explicit statutory language that details digital accessibility requirements for private entities significantly beyond the scope of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: If state civil rights laws were strictly applied to digital contexts, WCAG would likely be the benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Ohio should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice to mitigate legal risks.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) (Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Oklahoma has the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (EITA) Law (62 O.S. § 34.28 et seq.) and accompanying standards managed by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). These require state agencies and entities receiving state funds to ensure their electronic and information technology is accessible.

Standard Referenced: Oklahoma’s EITA standards are aligned with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including OSDH and OHCA, as well as entities receiving state appropriations, must comply. This includes websites, applications, digital documents, and procured technology. The law aims to provide Oklahomans with disabilities access to information and services comparable to the access available to others.

Specific State Law/Policy: Oklahoma’s anti-discrimination laws address public accommodations. However, they do not contain explicit provisions for digital accessibility of private entities beyond the general scope of federal ADA requirements. The EITA primarily targets state entities and those receiving state funds.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level for private entities not receiving state funds, beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Oklahoma should focus on compliance with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. If a private entity receives state funding, they may also fall under Oklahoma’s EITA requirements. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Oregon has established statewide policies for information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility, often overseen by the state’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) within the Department of Administrative Services. These policies require state agencies to make their websites and digital services accessible.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including OHA, must comply with these accessibility requirements for their digital resources. This ensures that state information and services are accessible to all Oregonians.

Specific State Law/Policy: Oregon’s equality and public accommodations laws (ORS Chapter 659A) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. While these laws are comprehensive, there isn’t extensive state-specific case law or explicit statutory language that details digital accessibility requirements for private entities significantly beyond federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Oregon should focus their compliance efforts primarily on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA, adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA as their standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS), which manages Medical Assistance (Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Pennsylvania has seen a significant number of ADA Title III website accessibility lawsuits.

Specific State Law/Policy: Pennsylvania has established accessibility policies for state agencies, often found within the IT Policies (ITPs) issued by the Governor’s Office of Administration, Office for Information Technology (OA/OIT). These policies require state agency websites and digital services to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction, including PADOH and DHS, are required to comply. The policies aim to ensure that electronic information and services are usable by all citizens.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. While the PHRA provides broad protections, and there have been website accessibility lawsuits filed in Pennsylvania citing both federal and state law, the PHRA does not contain explicit, detailed technical standards for digital accessibility for private entities that go significantly beyond federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: If PHRA is applied to digital contexts, WCAG 2.1 Level AA would be the widely accepted benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Pennsylvania should prioritize robust compliance with federal ADA Title III, especially given the active litigation environment. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is strongly recommended.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), which oversees Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Rhode Island has state IT policies and standards for website accessibility that apply to state agencies, typically managed or guided by the state’s central IT organization or Digital Services team. These policies aim to ensure that digital government services are accessible to all users.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including RIDOH and EOHHS, are expected to follow these accessibility standards for their websites and digital content to provide equal access to information and services.

Specific State Law/Policy: Rhode Island’s Fair Employment and Public Accommodations Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodation. While this law is comprehensive, it does not specifically detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities beyond the general scope of federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Rhode Island should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) (Healthy Connections Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: South Carolina has established policies and standards for state agency website accessibility, often managed by the S.C. Department of Administration’s Division of Technology Operations. These require state agencies to ensure their digital information and services are accessible.

Standard Referenced: State standards generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DHEC and SCDHHS, are required to comply with these accessibility standards to ensure equal access for all South Carolinians.

Specific State Law/Policy: The South Carolina Human Affairs Law prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. However, similar to many states, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and state-level enforcement in this area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in South Carolina should focus on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Services (DSS), which manages Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: South Dakota has state IT policies that address website accessibility for state agencies, typically managed by the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT). These policies aim to ensure that state government digital resources are accessible to all citizens.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DOH and DSS, are expected to adhere to these accessibility standards for their websites, applications, and digital content. This ensures compliance with federal mandates and promotes equal access.

Specific State Law/Policy: South Dakota’s Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. However, this Act does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, nor is there extensive state-specific case law compelling such requirements beyond the scope of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in South Dakota should primarily focus their digital accessibility efforts on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) and TennCare (Medicaid).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Tennessee has policies and guidelines for state agency website accessibility, often managed by the state’s central IT department or an equivalent body. These policies require state agencies to develop and maintain accessible digital platforms.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including TDH and TennCare, are expected to comply with these accessibility standards to ensure that state-provided information and services are accessible to all Tennesseans.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Tennessee Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. However, similar to many states, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and state-level enforcement or litigation in this area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Tennessee should focus on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes entities like Texas Health and Human Services (HHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Texas has robust state-level requirements. Texas Government Code Chapter 2054, Subchapter M, mandates that state agencies and institutions of higher education provide accessible electronic and information resources (EIR). Detailed rules are found in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC): 1 TAC Chapter 206 (State Websites) and 1 TAC Chapter 213 (Electronic and Information Resources). These rules are administered by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).

Standard Referenced: TAC rules are aligned with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and by extension, generally require conformance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA (though WCAG 2.1 AA represents current best practice and is often adopted).

Key Provisions/Notes: These regulations apply broadly to state agencies, including public health departments (like the Texas Department of State Health Services, part of Texas HHS), state-run hospitals, and university medical centers. Requirements include developing accessibility policies, designating accessibility coordinators, ensuring EIR developed, procured, or used is accessible, and compliance reporting. Vendors providing EIR to state entities are also impacted.

Specific State Law/Policy: Texas state law does not have specific statutes that explicitly extend digital accessibility requirements to private healthcare organizations beyond those imposed by federal law (ADA Title III and Section 1557 ACA). Texas disability law largely mirrors the federal ADA concerning public accommodations. The state-level EIR accessibility rules (TAC Chapters 206 and 213) are focused on state governmental entities.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level for private entities beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Texas should ensure their digital platforms comply with federal ADA Title III requirements. While the state has strong rules for its own agencies, these do not directly translate into additional state-imposed digital accessibility mandates for private healthcare providers.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Utah has state IT policies and standards concerning web accessibility, typically managed by the Department of Government Operations, Division of Technology Services. These policies mandate that state agency websites and digital services are accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state executive branch agencies, including DHHS, are required to comply with these accessibility standards. This promotes equal access to state-provided information and services for all Utah residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Utah Antidiscrimination Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. However, this Act does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and state-level enforcement or litigation in this specific area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Utah should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended best practice.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Human Services (AHS), which includes Medicaid (Green Mountain Care).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Vermont has established accessibility standards for state government websites and digital content, often managed by the Agency of Digital Services (ADS). These policies require state agencies to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including the Department of Health and AHS, are expected to comply with these accessibility standards. This supports Vermont’s commitment to inclusivity and providing equal access to information and services.

Specific State Law/Policy: Vermont’s Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. While this law is comprehensive, it does not have explicit, detailed provisions for digital accessibility of private entities that significantly expand beyond federal ADA requirements.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Vermont should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Virginia has established information technology accessibility standards applicable to state agencies, managed by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA). These standards (e.g., ITRM Standard GOV103-00) require state agencies to ensure their websites and IT resources are accessible.

Standard Referenced: Virginia’s standards typically require compliance with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including VDH and DMAS, must adhere to these accessibility standards for their websites, applications, and digital documents. This promotes equal access to state information and services for all Virginians.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Virginians with Disabilities Act (VDA) and the Virginia Human Rights Act prohibit discrimination in places of public accommodation. While these laws provide broad protections, they do not contain explicit, detailed technical standards for digital accessibility for private entities that go significantly beyond federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Virginia should focus on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services (websites, patient portals, mobile apps) are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026 for entities with a population of 50,000 or more, April 2027 for entities with a population of less than 50,000 and special district governments). This applies to entities like the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Health Care Authority (HCA), which manages Medicaid.

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are considered public accommodations. Effective communication and equal access to services are required.

Specific State Law/Policy: Washington State has a strong commitment to accessibility, outlined in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Policy 188 – Accessibility. This policy requires state agencies to ensure that information technology is accessible to current and prospective state employees and the public.

Standard Referenced: Policy 188 requires adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the minimum standard for websites, web applications, and other digital content.

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DOH and HCA, must comply with this policy. This includes developing and maintaining an agency accessibility plan, procuring accessible technology, and ensuring training for staff. The policy emphasizes providing an accessible and usable experience for everyone.

Specific State Law/Policy: The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. WLAD is a broad civil rights law and, similar to federal ADA, has been interpreted to apply to websites as places of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement.

Standard Referenced: If WLAD is applied to digital contexts, WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the widely accepted benchmark.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Washington should prioritize compliance with federal ADA Title III and also be aware of the Washington Law Against Discrimination’s potential application to their digital services. Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is strongly recommended.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). (Note: As of 2024, DHHR was being reorganized into three separate departments: Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Department of Health Facilities. All would still be subject to these rules.)

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: West Virginia has policies and guidelines for state agency website accessibility, often managed by the West Virginia Office of Technology (WVOT). These policies require state agencies to make their websites and digital resources accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including the health-related departments, are expected to comply with these accessibility standards to ensure equal access to information and services for all West Virginians.

Specific State Law/Policy: The West Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodations. However, similar to many states, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, and state-level enforcement or litigation in this area primarily defers to federal ADA interpretations.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in West Virginia should focus on complying with federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This includes the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Wisconsin has established enterprise IT policies and standards related to website accessibility for state agencies, often managed by the Department of Administration’s Division of Enterprise Technology. These policies require state agency websites to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State standards generally align with Section 508 and WCAG (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version like 2.1 AA).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including DHS, are expected to adhere to these accessibility standards for their digital properties. This ensures equal access to state information and services for all Wisconsin residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: Wisconsin’s Open Housing and Public Accommodations Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. While this law provides broad protections, it does not explicitly detail digital accessibility requirements for private entities, nor is there extensive state-specific case law compelling it beyond the scope of the federal ADA.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Wisconsin should focus their compliance efforts primarily on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA, adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA as their standard.

Laws: ADA Title II, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557.

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Must ensure all digital services are accessible. Refer to DOJ rule for specific Title II deadlines (April 2026/2027). This applies to entities like the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).

Laws: ADA Title III, Section 508 (if federally funded), ACA Section 1557 (if receiving federal financial assistance).

Standard: Generally WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Notes: Websites and apps are public accommodations.

Specific State Law/Policy: Wyoming has policies and guidelines for state agency website accessibility, often managed through the state’s Department of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS). These require state agencies to make their digital resources accessible to people with disabilities.

Standard Referenced: State policies generally align with Section 508 and WCAG standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0 AA or a more current version).

Key Provisions/Notes: All state agencies, including WDH, are expected to comply with these accessibility standards to ensure that state information and services are accessible to all Wyoming residents.

Specific State Law/Policy: Wyoming’s anti-discrimination laws address public accommodations. However, these laws do not have explicit provisions or extensive case law detailing digital accessibility requirements for private entities beyond the general scope of federal ADA requirements.

Standard Referenced: N/A at the state level beyond federal recommendations.

Key Provisions/Notes: Private healthcare organizations in Wyoming should focus their compliance efforts on federal ADA Title III and Section 1557 of the ACA. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard.