Sec. 542. IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS WHO USE WHEELCHAIRS
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## SEC. 542 IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS WHO USE WHEELCHAIRS **[**[49 U.S.C. 41728 note](/us/usc/t49/s41728)**]** ###
(a)Rulemaking Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop requirements for minimum training standards for airline personnel or contractors who assist wheelchair users who board or deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device. ###
(b)Requirements The training standards developed under subsection
(a)shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or contractors who assist passengers who use wheelchairs who board or deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device— ####
(1)before being allowed to assist a passenger using an aisle chair or other boarding device to board or deplane, be able to successfully demonstrate skills (during hands-on training sessions) on— #####
(A)how to safely use the aisle chair, or other boarding device, including the use of all straps, brakes, and other safety features; #####
(B)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; and #####
(C)how to effectively communicate with, and take instruction from, the passenger; ####
(2)are trained regarding the availability of accessible lavatories and on-board wheelchairs and the right of a qualified individual with a disability to request an on-board wheelchair; and ####
(3)complete refresher training within 18 months of an initial training and be recertified on the job every 18 months thereafter by a relevant superior in order to remain qualified for providing aisle chair assistance. ###
(c)Considerations In conducting the rulemaking under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum— ####
(1)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 developing, administering, and auditing training; ####
(2)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; and ####
(3)whether individuals able to provide boarding and deplaning assistance for passengers with limited or no mobility should receive training incorporating procedures from medical professionals on how to properly lift these passengers. ###
(d)Final Rule Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant to the rulemaking conducted under this section. ###
(e)Penalties 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).
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Sec. 542
IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS WHO USE WHEELCHAIRS
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