New State Law, Federal Requirements Related to Digital Accessibility Ensure Your Practice Website is Compliant


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igital accessibility requirements for websites, online forms, patient portals and other electronic communications continue to evolve at both the state and federal levels—and dental practices should pay attention,


especially if they receive federal funding or rely heavily on digital patient communications.


This year, Missouri passed legislation aimed at limiting abusive website accessibility lawsuits, while federal regulators simultane- ously moved forward with broader accessibility standards for digital content. Together, these developments signal that digital accessibility is not going away, even though compliance timelines may shift.


Missouri’s new law, the “Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation,” is intended to address concerns about predatory or high- volume litigation related to alleged website accessibility violations.


In general, the law creates additional procedural requirements before certain lawsuits involving website accessibility claims may proceed in Missouri courts. Supporters argued the measure helps curb abusive litigation tactics while still allowing legitimate accessibility concerns to be addressed. However, it is important for dental practices to un- derstand what the law does not do:


• It does not eliminate federal accessibility requirements. • It does not exempt businesses or healthcare providers from ADA or Section 504 obligations.


• It does not mean accessibility compliance can be ignored.


Instead, the law primarily changes aspects of how some litigation may proceed in Missouri.


FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS STILL MOVING FORWARD


At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues implementing digital accessibility require- ments under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These rules apply to recipients of HHS funding and are designed to ensure individuals with disabilities can access web content and mobile applications.


The standards generally align with Web Content Accessibility Guide- lines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, widely recognized technical standards for acces- sible digital content. Recently, HHS announced a one-year extension of the compliance deadline:


• Organizations with 15 or more employees now generally have until May 11, 2027.


• Smaller covered entities generally have until May 10, 2028. 18 focus | SUMMER 2026 | ISSUE 2


Practices that work with outside vendors for websites, patient portals, scheduling systems or other digital communications should also be aware of evolving accessibility standards and compliance expecta- tions.


WHY ACCESSIBILITY STILL MATTERS


Even practices that may not fall directly under federal funding re- quirements should continue paying attention to website and digital accessibility. Missouri’s new law does not eliminate accessibility obli- gations. Instead, it creates a process that may allow businesses time to correct alleged violations after receiving notice.


One of the law’s key provisions creates a form of safe harbor for businesses that make a good-faith effort to address alleged website


The extension delays enforcement timelines, but the federal require- ments themselves remain in place and are continuing forward.


WHO MAY BE AFFECTED?


The rule applies to entities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), either directly or indirectly. This may include dental practices or clinics affiliated with hospitals or health systems; dental schools and academic dental programs; Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) dental providers; community health centers that provide dental services; dental specialists; and dental researchers or companies receiving federal research funding.


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