WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 819

Requires hospitals and nursing homes to provide access to certain interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill requires hospitals and nursing homes to provide interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing patients to ensure equitable medical communication access.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 819

Legislative bill overview

S 819 mandates that hospitals and nursing homes in New Jersey provide interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing patients. The bill establishes a requirement for these facilities to ensure communication accessibility during medical care and treatment. This applies to both American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and other communication accommodations.

Why is this important

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals currently face significant barriers accessing healthcare due to communication gaps, which can lead to medical errors, misdiagnosis, and poor health outcomes. Requiring interpreter services ensures equitable access to medical information and treatment decisions, addressing a civil rights and public health concern. For healthcare facilities, compliance standardizes accessibility practices across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on providers: Hospitals and nursing homes may face increased operational costs for maintaining interpreter staffing or contracting with interpretation services, which could be passed to patients or insurers
  • Staffing challenges: Healthcare facilities in rural or underserved areas may struggle to recruit qualified ASL interpreters or find available interpreters quickly during emergencies
  • Implementation clarity: The bill may lack specific details on acceptable interpreter qualifications, response time requirements, or whether video remote interpretation meets the standard
  • Scope definition: Uncertainty about whether "certain interpreter services" includes all situations (emergency vs. routine) or covers related family communication needs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.