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NY A05702

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/20/2025

Primary Sponsor

Jodi Giglio

Click for details

Origin

Assembly

2025-2026 General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Defines "essential visitor" as a family member, attorney in fact, health care proxy, or other individual designated by a patient who has been hospitalized for more than two days to provide emotional and physical support

  • Grants every hospital patient the right to designate one essential visitor to act as an advocate, communicate with staff about patient needs, provide companionship, and request care plan changes

  • Requires hospitals to permit essential visitors unrestricted access and visitation to the patient they are assisting

  • Allows hospitals to require precautionary measures from essential visitors, including disease/virus screenings and requiring visitors to supply their own personal protective equipment

  • Permits hospitals to deny entry to essential visitors who fail to comply with precautionary procedures

Legislative Description

Authorizes patients to designate an essential visitor who may assist the patient and perform certain duties on behalf of the patient, including communicating with facility staff regarding the needs of the patient, providing emotional stability and company, and requesting additional care or a change in the care plan.

Last Action

referred to health

1/7/2026

Committee Referrals

Health2/20/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available