May 13, 2026 – Section 504, Bariatric Readiness, Civil Rights: Reasonable Accommodation for Patients with Obesity

Live and recorded on May 13, 2026 from 2 PM – 3 PM Eastern

Title: Section 504, Bariatric Readiness, Civil Rights: Reasonable Accommodation for Patients with Obesity
Presented by Jimbo Varnum, DHA, MBA, RRT-NPS-ACCS, CSPHA

Overview:

Patients with obesity often face barriers to safe and equitable health care because many environments, equipment, and clinical processes are not designed to accommodate higher body weights. These gaps can lead to delayed care, patient harm, staff injuries, and compromised dignity. Healthcare organizations that receive federal funding also have legal responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. While obesity is not automatically classified as a disability, it may qualify when it substantially limits major life activities or is associated with underlying conditions. This presentation explores the intersection of civil rights law, patient safety, and bariatric readiness in health care. Participants will review Section 504 requirements, identify common gaps in bariatric preparedness, and examine strategies to ensure safe access to care. Key considerations include accessible medical equipment, safe patient handling technology, workforce safety, and policies that promote respectful, dignified care while supporting regulatory compliance and improved patient outcomes.

 Objectives:

1. Describe the requirements of Section 504 related to nondiscrimination and reasonable accommodation in healthcare.
2. Explain when obesity may qualify for protection under disability nondiscrimination laws.
3. Identify clinical and operational barriers patients with obesity encounter in healthcare environments.
4. Discuss key elements of bariatric readiness, including equipment, safe patient handling technology, and staff training.

Meet the Speaker

Jimbo Varnum is CEO of BariSolutions. He is a Certified Safe Patient Handling Associate (CSPHA) who lives in Augusta, GA with his wife and son.  He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 2006 with a BS in Respiratory Therapy and in 2020 with master’s in business administration from Brenau University, and in 2026 received a Doctorate in Health Administration from Oklahoma State University.  Through the years, he has practiced as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with certifications in Neonatal Pediatric Specialist and Adult Critical Care Specialist. He continues to serve on a number of boards supporting respiratory health worldwide.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 15826, for 1 contact hour.

*You must register to be able to access to the webinar. Check your spam folder if you do not receive the registration email after you register.