This bill mandates that physicians and certain hospital employees complete training focused on effective communication and treatment of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Specifically, it requires the State Board of Medical Examiners to include one credit of continuing medical education on this topic as part of the biennial registration process for licensed physicians. Additionally, the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing within the Department of Human Services is tasked with creating a dedicated training and outreach unit to develop and administer a training program for emergency department staff at general hospitals.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that emergency departments must collaborate with the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing to establish a training protocol aimed at ensuring that employees who may interact with deaf or hard of hearing individuals are adequately prepared. This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of care and communication for patients with hearing impairments in emergency medical settings. The act is set to take effect 90 days after its enactment.