WCAG 2.2 Compliance Checklist for Healthcare Websites

Healthcare websites must be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. WCAG 2.2 AA compliance is not just a legal requirement—it’s essential for providing equitable patient care.

Why Healthcare Accessibility Matters

Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States has a disability. For healthcare organizations, inaccessible websites can mean patients cannot schedule appointments, access test results, or communicate with providers.

The Business Case

Beyond legal compliance, accessible healthcare websites see higher patient engagement, improved satisfaction scores, and reduced support costs. Organizations that prioritize accessibility often report a 20-30% increase in online appointment bookings.

The Essential Checklist

Perceivable

• All images have descriptive alt text
• Videos include captions and transcripts
• Color contrast meets 4.5:1 ratio for text
• Content is readable when zoomed to 200%
• Information is not conveyed by color alone

Operable

• All functionality available via keyboard
• No content flashes more than 3 times per second
• Skip navigation link present
• Focus indicators visible
• Sufficient time provided for form completion
• Dragging motions have single-pointer alternatives (WCAG 2.2)

Understandable

• Language is set in HTML
• Form labels are clear and associated
• Error messages are descriptive
• Navigation is consistent
• Help is available and consistent (WCAG 2.2)

Robust

• Valid HTML markup
• ARIA used correctly
• Works with screen readers
• Mobile responsive
• Redundant entry is minimized (WCAG 2.2)

Key WCAG 2.2 Updates for Healthcare

WCAG 2.2 introduced several new success criteria particularly relevant to healthcare portals:

Focus Not Obscured (2.4.11): Patient portal navigation must not hide focused elements behind sticky headers or chat widgets.

Dragging Movements (2.5.7): Appointment scheduling interfaces that use drag-and-drop must provide click-based alternatives.

Consistent Help (3.2.6): Support contact information must appear in the same location across pages—critical for patients seeking urgent assistance.

Redundant Entry (3.3.7): Patient intake forms must not require re-entering information already provided within the same session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WCAG compliance legally required for healthcare websites?

Yes. Healthcare organizations are covered under the ADA, and courts have consistently ruled that websites must be accessible. Additionally, Section 508 applies to organizations receiving federal funding.

What’s the penalty for non-compliance?

ADA lawsuits can result in settlements ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000, plus ongoing legal fees and required remediation costs.

How often should we audit our website?

Conduct accessibility audits quarterly, and after any major website updates. Automated tools catch about 30% of issues—manual testing is essential.

Does WCAG 2.2 replace WCAG 2.1?

WCAG 2.2 builds upon WCAG 2.1 and adds nine new success criteria. All 2.1 criteria remain, so compliance with 2.2 also means compliance with 2.1.

Next Steps

Need help ensuring your healthcare website meets accessibility standards? Lonia AI specializes in compliance audits and remediation for healthcare organizations.