Bill > S08339

This bill provides an exception to standard hospital visitation rules to ensure that patients can receive visits from members of their religious congregation's clergy under specific conditions. The legislation allows a clergy member to visit a patient if: the patient (or their legal representative) requests or consents to the visit; the visitation is consistent with the hospital's visitor capacity and does not interfere with patient treatment; and the visit does not pose health or safety risks. The bill includes additional provisions that allow a clergy member to visit during a one-hour period without violating the hospital's visitor limit, and permits clergy visits during life-threatening emergencies or end-of-life situations, even outside normal visitation hours. Importantly, the bill also preserves hospitals' rights to restrict visitation in certain circumstances, such as in specialized medical units or when a health risk exists, and does not mandate that clergy must provide visits. The legislation aims to balance patients' spiritual needs with hospital operational requirements and safety protocols, providing a legal framework for clergy visitation that respects both patient care and religious practices.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8339