NY Hospitals Must Expand Language Assistance Services

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new law requiring all general hospitals in the state to establish formal language assistance programs. The legislation, signed on Wednesday (December 10), aims to ensure that patients who speak languages other than English can access healthcare services without barriers. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare, stating, "Everyone deserves the right to accessible health care, free from language barriers that prevent them from accessing the services they need" according to the New York State government website.

The new law mandates hospitals to appoint a language assistance coordinator, identify patients who require language, vision, or hearing assistance, and train staff to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care. It also limits the use of family members or friends as interpreters unless specific conditions are met. Hospitals are required to document language preferences in medical records and offer skilled interpreters for those with impairments as reported by WKTV.

State Senator John Liu highlighted the significance of the legislation, stating, "Every patient who walks through a hospital’s doors should have the ability to communicate clearly and confidently with their doctor, especially during emergencies when time is of the essence" as noted by the New York State government website.

Hospitals across New York are reviewing the law to ensure full compliance, with many already having some services in place. The law is seen as a significant step towards breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all New Yorkers.