BILL NUMBER: S719
SPONSOR: RHOADS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring all
medical facilities to be able to access every single-occupancy bathroom
where a patient could be in an emergency
 
PURPOSE:
Requires all medical facilities to have immediate access to every
single-occupancy bathroom where a patient could be in an emergency.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 2832
to read as follows: 2832. Emergency access in all medical facilities.
Every medical facility shall have immediate access to every single-occu-
pancy bathroom in such facility where a patient could be in an emergen-
cy.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The proposed amendment to the public health law seeks to mandate that
all medical facilities ensure access to every single occupancy bathroom
where a patient could be in an emergency.
The health and safety of patients should be a top priority in medical
facilities. It is within these medical centers where the likelihood of
sudden and emergent medical needs is significantly greater.
In emergency situations, every second counts, and medical staff need
access to essential facilities, such as bathrooms, where their presence
can make a significant difference in patient outcomes.
By ensuring access to bathroom availability for patient use and medical
worker action, this crucial amendment will allow medical workers to
respond to urgent, sudden, medical complications or accidents situations
both properly and promptly.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.