Department of HHS Dear Colleague Letter: Guidance and Resources for Electronic Information Technology: Ensuring Equal Access to All Health Services and Benefits Provided Through Electronic Means

Medical Kiosks

Healthcare kiosks include, but are not limited to, self check-in kiosks, physician videoconferencing systems, diagnostic kiosks, health/medication information dispensaries, donor registry kiosks, kiosks that assist patients in taking their vital signs, insurance enrollment kiosks, and pharmacy dispensary kiosks. Covered entities that offer health programs and activities offered through kiosks must comply with the accessibility requirements discussed above.

Steps that can be taken to ensure appropriate accessibility may include installation of tactile interfaces or screen readers, repositioning of kiosks to be within reach of wheelchair users, and options which allow individuals with motor difficulties to independently operate the kiosks, including voice dictation technology. Ensuring equal access to this emerging EIT will help people with disabilities to take full advantage of the benefits the new technology offers in speed, efficiency and autonomy.