Restroom Access - State Laws

What is the Restroom Access Act? 

After nearly twenty years of trying to solve this problem with legislation, the Foundation is trying new solutions. In states where these laws have passed, patients and volunteers have been disappointed in the lack of awareness and compliance, as well as the absence of enforcement mechanisms for these laws. Years after laws are passed patients are still denied access to restrooms.   

The first Restroom Access Act (also known as Ally’s Law or the Crohn’s & Colitis Fairness Act) passed in 2005. These laws seek to ensure that people with certain medical conditions have access to employee-only restrooms when a public one is unavailable. Specifically, the state-based model legislation: 

• Ensures access for persons with certain medical conditions, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, as well as those with ostomies
• Generally applies when the following conditions are met:
  • When the retail establishment has two or more employees currently working 
  • When the employee-only restroom is in a location that is both safe to the patient and not an obvious security risk to the retail establishment 
• Often requires the patient to present a document signed by a medical professional attesting to their disease
  • States often allow patients to present the Foundation’s “I Can’t Wait” cards. This important resource can be provided free of charge to anyone with IBD who may need it. To request a card, please call 888-MY-GUT-PAIN (888-694-8872).

Even if your state has passed a law, we encourage our volunteers to work with their local city council or county commission to pass a local restroom access law that provides incentives to businesses who voluntarily open their restrooms. Visit our Help Pass a Local Restroom Access Law in Your Community page for all of the resources you need to help pass a law in your community.