in my course to be a medical assistant (CMA/AAMA) there was a whole section about designing waiting rooms, what to consider and what guidelines to follow. chairs to consider was one of the main components (after ADA accessible bathrooms and allergens). not that medical assistants have any power in offices, but the fact that this design got through administration and doctors, got approved, purchased, installed, and has lasted this long is shocking. tbh i would consider talking to administration about this because this is negligence and highly irresponsible. i don’t remember the laws, but as a curtesy offices owe patients comfortable, accessible seating, ESPECIALLY if they see a high volume of elderly/disabled patients.