Universal Changing Table for Adults with Disabilities in Maryland

Access to safe and dignified restroom facilities is an essential part of accessibility for adults with disabilities and the caregivers who support them. For individuals who require assistance with diapering or personal care, universal changing tables provide a secure and private space that supports safety, comfort, and dignity. In Maryland, this need has been formally recognized through enacted legislation that requires changing facilities suitable for both children and adults in certain public buildings.

This article explains Maryland House Bill 10, outlines what the law requires, identifies which public restrooms must comply, and highlights how hygiene solutions such as SPC disposable underpads support clean and safe changing environments.

Maryland House Bill 10 and its purpose

Maryland House Bill 10 has been enacted and requires that a changing facility suitable for changing a child’s diaper and providing personal care for an adult be installed in certain public restrooms located in specific public buildings.

The law reflects recognition that accessibility must address real-world personal care needs across the lifespan, not solely infant care. By including adult personal care in the definition of required facilities, Maryland has taken a meaningful step toward inclusive restroom design.

Which public buildings are required to comply

HB 10 applies to certain public buildings and requires installation of appropriate changing facilities in designated public restrooms, except under specific circumstances outlined in the law. These requirements were scheduled to be met by October 1, 2022.

The law allows for exceptions in situations where installation may not be feasible due to building limitations or other qualifying conditions, helping balance accessibility goals with practical constraints.

Reporting and public access to changing facility locations

A key component of Maryland’s law is transparency and public access to information. Entities required to install changing facilities must report the location of those facilities to 2-1-1 Maryland, Inc. when the changing facilities are installed.

2-1-1 Maryland, Inc. is responsible for maintaining a publicly accessible list of changing facility locations on its website. This reporting system helps caregivers and individuals with disabilities plan outings, travel, and appointments with greater confidence.

What HB 10 means for accessibility in Maryland

The enactment of HB 10 places Maryland among states that have explicitly recognized adult personal care needs in public restrooms. By requiring changing facilities that serve both children and adults, the law helps reduce unsafe alternatives such as changing adults on restroom floors or in vehicles.

Although the law applies only to certain public buildings, it establishes a strong precedent for inclusive restroom design and may encourage broader adoption beyond the minimum legal requirements.

Where universal changing tables may be found in Maryland

Under HB 10, adult-capable changing facilities are expected in qualifying public buildings throughout Maryland. Government buildings and other covered public facilities are among the locations where caregivers are most likely to encounter compliant changing stations.

Adult changing tables may also be found voluntarily in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, airports, convention centers, and newer public venues, though availability varies by location.

Hygiene considerations for shared changing facilities

Hygiene is an important consideration when changing facilities are shared by the public. SPC disposable underpads provide caregivers with a practical way to maintain cleanliness during diaper changes and personal care tasks.

These underpads create a clean, absorbent barrier between the individual and the changing surface, help manage leaks, and include a waterproof backing that protects the table for the next user. Using SPC disposable underpads supports safer and more sanitary changing experiences in public restrooms.

Why adult changing facilities matter

Changing facilities that accommodate adults allow individuals with disabilities to receive personal care in a safe and dignified manner while reducing physical strain on caregivers. They also make it possible for families to remain in public spaces longer and participate more fully in daily life.

Without access to adult-capable changing stations, caregivers are often forced to rely on unsafe workarounds or limit outings altogether.

Looking ahead for accessibility in Maryland

Maryland’s HB 10 represents meaningful progress in addressing adult personal care needs in public spaces. Continued reporting, visibility through 2-1-1 Maryland, and public awareness help ensure that these facilities are used effectively and maintained over time.

As awareness continues to grow, Maryland’s approach may influence future legislation and encourage broader adoption of adult changing facilities across additional public and private spaces.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.