This update supplements Baker Donelson's prior client alert by addressing the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS's) new extension of the compliance deadlines for web content and mobile applications.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights announced an interim final rule on May 7, 2026, extending by one year the compliance deadlines for HHS funding recipients to meet web content and mobile application accessibility standards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Under the revised timeline, recipients with 15 or more employees now have until May 11, 2027, to comply, and recipients with fewer than 15 employees now have until May 10, 2028.
As discussed in Baker Donelson's prior alert, the HHS rule applies to recipients of HHS federal financial assistance, including health care providers that accept Medicare or Medicaid. The prior alert also outlined the rule's broader accessibility framework, including WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements, exceptions, equivalent facilitation, kiosk accessibility, and practical steps for assessing and remediating digital accessibility issues.
Health care providers should use the additional time to assess their web content and mobile applications, prioritize remediation, coordinate with vendors, and document accessibility decisions as needed.
For more information or for questions on this article, please contact Alisa L. Chestler, Noah Lipshie, or any member of Baker Donelson's Health Law Group.