Section 508 Compliance for Healthcare Websites
Meet Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements with comprehensive accessibility testing designed for healthcare organizations.
Why Section 508 Matters for Healthcare
Healthcare organizations receiving Medicare/Medicaid funding must comply with Section 508
Veterans Affairs healthcare and military medical facilities have strict Section 508 requirements
Federal health insurance marketplace must be fully Section 508 compliant
Research institutions receiving NIH or other federal health grants must meet accessibility standards
Health information exchanges and public health systems require Section 508 conformance
Section 508 Requirements for Healthcare
Functional Performance Criteria
Healthcare ICT must support users who cannot see, hear, use hands, or have cognitive limitations when accessing health services
Electronic Documents
Patient information, discharge summaries, and medical records in PDF or other formats must be fully accessible
Software Applications
EHR systems, patient portals, and clinical applications must meet software accessibility requirements
Support Documentation
User guides for patient-facing systems must be available in accessible formats
Common Section 508 Issues in Healthcare Websites
Issue
EHR systems with inaccessible interfaces for clinical staff with disabilities
Solution
Require Section 508 compliance in EHR procurement contracts and conduct regular accessibility testing
Issue
Health information PDFs lacking proper document structure
Solution
Implement automated PDF remediation or generate accessible HTML alternatives
Issue
Legacy health information systems without keyboard access
Solution
Create accessible front-end interfaces or provide equivalent accessible alternatives
Issue
Medical device software not meeting Section 508
Solution
Include accessibility requirements in medical device procurement and update specifications
How A11yScan Helps Healthcare Meet Section 508
Section 508 Testing
Automated testing against all Section 508 success criteria relevant to healthcare.
Healthcare Focus
Industry-specific testing profiles targeting common healthcare accessibility issues.
Compliance Reports
Generate Section 508 compliance documentation and remediation roadmaps.
Continuous Monitoring
24/7 monitoring to maintain Section 508 compliance as your healthcare site evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions: Healthcare Section 508 Compliance
Does Section 508 apply to private healthcare organizations?
Section 508 directly applies to federal agencies and contractors. Private healthcare organizations receiving federal funding through Medicare, Medicaid, or grants may need to comply. Additionally, ADA requirements apply to all healthcare organizations regardless of federal funding.
How do EHR systems meet Section 508?
EHR vendors must provide VPATs documenting Section 508 conformance. Healthcare organizations should include Section 508 requirements in RFPs, review vendor VPATs, and conduct independent accessibility testing of implementations.
What about medical devices and Section 508?
Medical devices with electronic interfaces that are procured with federal funds must meet Section 508. This includes patient monitors, diagnostic equipment interfaces, and medical software applications.
Other Compliance Standards for Healthcare
Healthcare WCAG 2.1 AA
Ensure your healthcare website meets WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
WCAG 2.2Healthcare WCAG 2.2
Ensure your healthcare website meets WCAG 2.2 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
ADA ComplianceHealthcare ADA Compliance
Ensure your healthcare website meets ADA Compliance accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
EN 301 549Healthcare EN 301 549
Ensure your healthcare website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Section 508 Compliance for Other Industries
Finance Section 508
Ensure your finance website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
E-commerceE-commerce Section 508
Ensure your e-commerce website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
EducationEducation Section 508
Ensure your education website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
GovernmentGovernment Section 508
Ensure your government website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
LegalLegal Section 508
Ensure your legal website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Real EstateReal Estate Section 508
Ensure your real estate website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Ready to Achieve Section 508 Compliance for Your Healthcare Website?
Start with a free accessibility scan and see exactly where your healthcare site stands with Section 508 requirements.