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Bill > A908
NJ A908
NJ A908Requires hospitals and nursing homes to provide access to certain interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires each hospital and nursing home licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) to make interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing available to patients 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Interpreter services will include, at minimum, interpreter services provided through electronic means including, but not limited to, video remote interpreting services and artificial intelligence-assisted interpreting services, as approved by the Commissioner of Health.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that all hospitals and nursing homes licensed under a specific New Jersey law (P.L.1971, c.136, concerning health care facilities) must provide round-the-clock access to interpreter services for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. These services must include, at a minimum, options delivered electronically, such as video remote interpreting (where an interpreter appears on a screen via video) and artificial intelligence-assisted interpreting, provided these technologies are approved by the Commissioner of Health. The bill aims to ensure effective communication for individuals with hearing impairments in healthcare settings, and it will become effective 180 days after its enactment.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A908 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/908_I1.HTM |
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