BILL NUMBER: S6223A
SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to treatment of deaf,
hard of hearing and nonverbal individuals during admission to a hospital
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To ensure that all deaf, hard of hearing, and non-verbal individuals can
have their interpreter with them throughout the entire care process,
including in the ambulance.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends Section 2805-r of the Public Health Law.
These amendments make it so that those who are deaf or hard of hearing
are included under the statute. In addition, this bill also adds inter-
preter to the list of authorized individuals who may be present during
the admission of the patient.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Emergency situations are often when people are at their most vulnerable,
and in the greatest need of help. However, for the portion of New York-
ers that are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to verbally communicate,
these situations can become much more challenging and potentially life-
threatening. Currently, Public Health law states that family members,
guardians, and authorized helpers may be present as the patient is
admitted to medical services. However, what the law leaves out is the
fact that many of these individuals have interpreters as well. It is
critical that interpreters be authorized to stay With the patient,
including in the ambulance vehicle, so that the patient may have their
needs advocated for in the best way possible.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A10328 reported from health to rules
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6223: 2805-r public health law
S6223A: 2805-r public health law