The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule to advance equity and bolster protections for people with disabilities.  The proposed rule, Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities, updates, clarifies, and strengthens the implementing regulation for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the statute that prohibits discrimination against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance or are conducted by a Federal agency.

The proposed rule seeks public comment on a variety of issues to better understand individuals’ experiences with health care and human services discrimination on the basis of disability and recipients’ experiences in complying with federal civil rights laws.  The comment period closes on November 13, 2023. OCR will consider those comments as it drafts a final rule to implement Section 504.

For more information, and to submit a comment, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/fact-sheet/index.html