How does the ADA affect a solo medical practice?
The ADA labor provisions do not affect employment practices for businesses that have less than 15 employees. However, the practice is considered a public accommodation and is generally required to be accessible to disabled patients. Barriers to access must be removed if alterations are “readily achievable”, which is determined by considering factors such as the nature and cost of the action, the owner’s and tenant’s financial resources and the impact of the action on the operation of the business. Such accommodations might include installing a ramp, making curb cuts, widening doorways, and modifying restroom. Generally, these accommodations are made at the expense of the building owner. In most cases, local commercial building codes require such accommodations and may preempt ADA requirements.
