Security Screening for Visitors with Disabilities, Medical Conditions, Medical Devices, or Medications

General

  • Officers may not request or require visitors to remove, test, or disable any medical device that is attached to the visitor. 
  • Only a visitor, or a companion, may disconnect medical equipment from the visitor ahead of security screening. 
  • Visitors with medical devices who need assistance with the screening process may have a companion provide assistance; however, the companion must be screened first. 

Pregnant Visitors 

  • Visitors who are pregnant may opt to be screened by a full body pat-down, instead of the walk-through magnetometer or enhanced screening portal. Medical documentation is not required.

Pacemakers, Defibrillators and Other Implanted Medical Devices 

  • Visitors who have a metal implant are required to pass through the walk-through magnetometer. 

Medical Oxygen or Respiratory-Related Equipment 

  • Medical oxygen and respiratory-related equipment will be x-rayed, if possible, or physically inspected. 

Diabetes-Related Supplies or Other Exterior Attached Medical Devices 

  • Visitors with surgically implanted insulin pumps/sensors or other exterior attached medical devices will use the walk-through magnetometer. 
  • If a visitor has medical documentation, they may opt to be screened with the hand-held magnetometer or by a full-body pat down in lieu of the walk-through magnetometer. 
  • Diabetes-related supplies and equipment will be x-rayed or physically inspected, and screened with an explosive trace detector. 

Wheelchairs 

  • If a visitor is able to walk, they may use the walk-through magnetometer. 
  • If a visitor can stand, but not walk, the visitor will be screened with the hand-held magnetometer, away from the wheelchair. 
  • If the visitor cannot stand or walk through the magnetometer, the visitor may be screened in the wheelchair with a hand-held magnetometer. 
  • There will also be a physical inspection of the wheelchair, to include all packages that are attached to wheelchair. Those packages could be removed and put through the x-ray machine. (Exception - augmentation devices are not required to be removed from the wheelchair, but will be physically inspected and screened with an explosive trace detector. 
  • Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (EPAMD) will be physically inspected, x-rayed, and/or screened with an explosive trace detector. Packages attached to the EPAMD could be removed and put into the x-ray machine. 

Walkers, Crutches, and Canes 

  • If a visitor can briefly walk without the assistance of their walkers, crutches, or canes, the devices should be x-rayed. Collapsible canes should be collapsed before they are placed on the x-ray belt. (Exception - visually impaired visitors will have their canes physically inspected so they may guide themselves through the walk-through magnetometer). 
  • Attached baskets or bags must be x-rayed. 

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing 

  • Visitors who are deaf or hard-of-hearing do not have to remove their hearing aids or related devices, however the officers may do a visual inspection. 
  • A companion may assist a visitor with communication regarding the screening process. 

Prosthetic Devices, Casts, or Body Braces 

  • Visitors with prosthetic devices, casts, or body braces will not be required to remove them, however officers will perform a physical inspection of the prosthetic device, cast, or body brace. 

Orthopedic Shoes or Support Appliances 

  • Visitors will use the walk-through magnetometer. 

Medical Dressings 

  • Visitors will not be required to remove a medical dressing, but a pat-down may be necessary if an alarm goes off from the magnetometer. 

Medication and Supplies 

  • Medication and supplies will be x-rayed or physically inspected. 
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