Sec. 733. Improved training standards for assisting passengers who use wheelchairs
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/bill/118/s/1939/is/section-733·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking to develop requirements for minimum training standards for airline personnel or contractors who assist wheelchair users who must board or deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device. The training standards developed under subsection
(a)shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or contractors— complete refresher training every 6 months and be recertified yearly on the job by a superior in order to remain qualified for providing aisle chair assistance; and be able to successfully demonstrate the each of following skills in hands-on training sessions before being allowed to board or deplane a passenger using an aisle chair or other boarding device: How to safely use the aisle chair, or other boarding device, including the use of all straps, brakes, and other safety features. How to assist in the transfer of passengers to and from their wheelchair, the aisle chair, and the aircraft’s passenger seat, either by physically lifting the passenger or deploying a mechanical device for the lift or transfer. How to effectively communicate with, and take instruction from, the passenger. In conducting the rulemaking under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum— whether to require air carriers and foreign air carriers to partner with national disability organizations and disabled veterans organizations representing individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs and scooters in administering and auditing training; whether to require air carriers and foreign air carriers to use a lift device, instead of an aisle chair, to board and deplane passengers with mobility disabilities; whether air carriers and foreign air carriers should be required to use their own personnel instead of contractors for boarding passengers with limited or no mobility; and whether individuals able to provide boarding and deplaning assistance for passengers with limited or no mobility should receive training from medical professionals on how to properly lift these passengers. Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant to the rulemaking conducted under this section. The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to meet the requirements established under the final rule under subsection (d).