Expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities
Impact
The proposed changes would ensure that consumers experiencing issues with their wheelchairs receive prompt attention, including timely assessments by manufacturers and the provision of temporary loaner wheelchairs. Manufacturers must repair nonconforming wheelchairs at no charge to the consumers and address any collateral costs incurred during the repair process. The bill would require more transparency from manufacturers regarding warranty periods and would extend the express warranty to a minimum of two years, thereby creating a stronger consumer rights environment regarding the reliability of such essential medical devices.
Summary
Bill S152, titled 'An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities,' aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the sale and warranty of wheelchairs. This legislation seeks to amend Chapter 93 of the Massachusetts General Laws, particularly to enhance the warranty provisions protecting consumers who purchase wheelchairs. By establishing clearer definitions for critical terms such as 'authorized wheelchair dealer' and 'collateral costs,' the bill intends to provide more comprehensive consumer protections against defective devices. One of the primary objectives is to ensure that manufacturers fulfill their warranty obligations effectively, thereby enhancing the reliability of mobility aids for consumers with disabilities.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the financial implications for manufacturers and dealers. Some stakeholders may voice concerns about the potential increase in operational costs associated with implementing the new requirements for warranty services and repairs. Similar legislation in previous sessions has faced scrutiny from business groups worried about rigorous regulatory burdens. That said, advocates argue that these changes are crucial for ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not left without functional wheelchairs and that their rights as consumers are adequately protected.
Enacts "Killian's law"; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.
Enacts the "consumer wheelchair repair bill of rights act" requiring manufacturers to make available certain documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools necessary for repairing equipment; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.
Enacts the "consumer wheelchair repair bill of rights act" requiring manufacturers to make available certain documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools necessary for repairing equipment; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.
Enacts "Killian's law"; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.
Enacts the "consumer wheelchair repair bill of rights act" requiring manufacturers to make available certain documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools necessary for repairing equipment; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.
Enacts the "consumer wheelchair repair bill of rights act" requiring manufacturers to make available certain documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools necessary for repairing equipment; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.