This bill aims to enhance the rights of hospital patients with developmental disabilities by allowing them to be accompanied by a designated family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver throughout their hospital stay. The bill specifies that this right is applicable except when the patient is undergoing a surgical procedure that could be jeopardized by the presence of the designated individual. Additionally, upon admission, hospitals are required to provide the patient or their parent/guardian with the opportunity to make such a designation, ensuring that if the patient is incapacitated, the parent or guardian can make the designation on their behalf.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that hospitals document the designation in the patient's medical record and allows for changes to the designation at any time, provided that notice is given at least one hour in advance. It clarifies that the designated individual is not obligated to provide direct support or personal care during the hospital stay or after discharge. The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Health to adopt necessary regulations for implementation, ensuring that the rights of patients with developmental disabilities are upheld in hospital settings.