If you run a medical practice, there is a new 2026 federal requirement that will affect your website.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced updated accessibility rules to ensure that people with disabilities can access healthcare information online. These rules apply to organizations that receive federal funding, which includes most medical practices through programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
You can read the official HHS guidance here: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/new-requirements-accessibility-web-content-mobile-apps-kiosks.pdf
For many practices, this means making sure their website and any mobile apps meet accessibility standards so patients with visual, hearing, or physical disabilities can use them.
The good news is that most practices already have much of the foundation in place. The key now is understanding what is required and making sure your website is prepared before the deadlines arrive.
What the New Rule Requires
The regulation requires healthcare organizations receiving federal funding to ensure their websites and mobile apps meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the widely accepted framework used to make websites usable for people with disabilities.
In practical terms, this means your website should allow patients to:
- Navigate the site using a keyboard or assistive technology
- Use screen readers if they are blind or visually impaired
- Watch videos that include captions
- View content with sufficient contrast and readable text
- Access forms and scheduling tools without barriers
These guidelines help ensure patients with disabilities can access healthcare services online just as easily as anyone else.
Compliance Deadlines for Medical Practices
The rule includes a transition period, so organizations have time to prepare.
Practices with 15 or more employees must comply by May 11, 2026.
Practices with fewer than 15 employees must comply by May 10, 2027.
While these deadlines may seem far away, updating a website, reviewing content, and implementing accessibility improvements can take time, especially if the site has not been evaluated recently.
What This Means for Your Practice Website
Many medical practice websites already meet portions of these requirements, but common issues we see include:
- Missing image descriptions for screen readers
- No ability for a visitor to set their own accessibility profile, including for ADHD, cognitive disabilities, seizure-safe, older patients, etc.
- Forms that are difficult for assistive technologies to use
- Color contrast that makes text difficult to read
- Navigation structures that are confusing for accessibility tools
These are usually straightforward fixes when addressed proactively.
Practices that rely heavily on their website for patient acquisition, scheduling, and education should view accessibility not only as a compliance requirement but also as an opportunity to improve the overall patient experience.
How Practices Are Improving Website Accessibility
Many healthcare organizations are addressing these requirements through a combination of:
- accessibility-friendly website design
- automated accessibility monitoring tools
- ongoing website maintenance and updates
The most effective approach is ensuring the website itself follows accessibility best practices while using tools that continuously monitor and improve accessibility performance.
How Intrepy Implements Website Accessibility
Why Accessibility Matters for Healthcare Websites
Accessibility is ultimately about ensuring that every patient can access the care they need.
Patients with disabilities may rely on a practice’s website to:
- find physicians
- understand procedures
- schedule appointments
- complete intake forms
- access patient education resources
When these tools are accessible, practices remove barriers to care and create a better digital experience for everyone.
How Intrepy Can Help
If you are unsure whether your website meets these new accessibility standards, now is a good time to review it.
At Intrepy, we help healthcare practices ensure their websites follow the latest accessibility guidelines while continuing to perform as effective patient acquisition tools.
Our team can help you:
- review your current website for accessibility issues
- implement WCAG-aligned improvements
- deploy accessibility monitoring technology
- ensure your website is prepared for upcoming compliance deadlines
If you would like to understand how your current website measures up, we would be happy to help.
Schedule a no-obligation Website Assessment and our team will review your site and provide guidance on how to align with these new accessibility requirements.
