Bill > S05705

This bill establishes a new legal definition for "hospital-sponsored off campus emergency department" and sets specific operational standards for such facilities. The bill defines these departments as emergency facilities owned by a general hospital but located away from the main hospital campus. These off-campus emergency departments will be required to generally operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though they may apply for part-time operation of at least 12 hours per day if local circumstances necessitate it. The bill mandates that these facilities meet the same standards as traditional hospital emergency departments, including minimum provider training, staffing requirements, and the capacity to stabilize and treat all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Additionally, they must be able to receive ground ambulance patients and establish transfer protocols with local emergency medical services and hospital-based emergency departments to ensure patients can be transferred to higher levels of care when needed. The changes are being made by amending the New York State Public Health Law, and the act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5705