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The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the Act) makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals on the basis of disabilities. Title III of the Act addresses public accommodations. Companies that serve the public must make “reasonable modifications” to policies, practices and procedures to make services available. This includes doctor's offices, which are listed specifically under health care facilities.
If you are purchasing an existing practice or making modifications to an existing business, you are required to comply with ADA regulations in matters relating to accessibility. You are not required to provide services you can demonstrate would place an “undue burden” on your business, but you must make every effort to accommodate those with disabilities. If you are doing new construction or a substantial renovation, your facility must be “readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.” Your contractor should know the law, but never assume they do.