Stores would allow restroom access for customers with medical needs

Retail businesses would have to let customers who meet the requirements use restrooms usually closed to the public. Coverage includes people lawfully at covered businesses who have any inflammatory bowel disease, use an ostomy device, or have another diagnosed condition requiring immediate restroom access, including pregnancy. Covered businesses sell goods or services connected to trade between states. Customers must present the required card, and no public restroom may be available to them. At least two employees must be working when access is requested. The restroom must not be located where access would create an obvious health or safety risk to the customer. The staffing requirement applies when the customer requests access.

The Secretary of Labor would establish a system to make and distribute restroom access cards. Cards would be for people with medical conditions covered by the restroom access requirement. A medical professional qualified to diagnose a covered condition must certify that the person has one. The 180-day deadline applies to establishing the system, not to delivering each person’s card.