Bill > A01023

This bill requires nursing homes, hospitals, and other health-related facilities to provide video communication devices to patients when visitor access is limited, such as during flu season, a state of emergency, or a state disaster emergency. Specifically, the bill amends the public health law to establish a patient's right to access these devices, and updates the executive law to mandate that these facilities include video communication provisions in their disaster preparedness plans. The goal is to ensure that patients can maintain contact with family and loved ones during times when in-person visits are restricted, which can be crucial for patient mental health and emotional well-being. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, and in the meantime, relevant agencies can prepare the necessary regulations to implement its requirements. This legislation appears to be a response to challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many patients were isolated from visitors for extended periods.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1023