Bill
A 1023
A 1023 requires health care facilities to provide video communication devices to eligible patients when visitor access is restricted, preserving patient-family contact.
Bill Summary: A 1023
Status and Sponsorship
- Status: Referred to Health
- Introduced: January 8, 2025
- Primary Sponsor: Maritza Davila
- Cosponsors: Jo Anne Simon, Brian Cunningham, Linda Rosenthal, Joe DeStefano, Rebecca Seawright, Karl Brabenec, Jonathan Rivera, Simcha Eichenstein, Steven Raga
- Legislative actions: On January 8, 2025, the bill was referred to the Health committee.
Purpose and Intent
- A 1023 would require health care facilities to provide video communication devices to certain patients during any period when visitor access is limited. The goal appears to be maintaining or enhancing patient-family communication and connection when in-person visits are restricted.
Key Provisions (as described)
- Duty to provide devices: Health care facilities would be obligated to supply video communication devices to eligible patients during times when visitor access is limited.
- Scope of “video communication devices”: The bill text as available does not specify exact device types (e.g., tablets, dedicated videoconferencing units) or accompanying services, such as software or connectivity. The intent suggests devices capable of real-time video communication with family or designated contacts.
- Trigger for provision: The requirement activates during periods when visitor access is restricted, whether due to public health measures, facility-specific protocols, or other circumstances limiting in-person visitation.
- Compliance framework: The summary available does not detail enforcement, penalties, or oversight mechanisms; these would likely be defined in the bill’s full text or subsequent amendments.
Who is Affected
- Primary beneficiaries: Patients in health care settings who are subject to restricted visitor access and who would benefit from video communication with family, friends, or other designated contacts.
- Facilities affected: Hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers that restrict visitors would bear the obligation to provide devices and related accommodations.
Implementation Considerations
- Costs and logistics: Facilities would incur costs for devices, maintenance, charging, sanitization, software licenses, and staff time to assist patients with setup and use.
- Privacy and consent: Use of video communication involves patient privacy (HIPAA considerations) and informed consent for sharing health information via video links.
- Accessibility and inclusivity: Provisions should address patients with limited digital literacy or language barriers, and ensure devices are accessible to patients with disabilities.
Related Legislation
- Related bills from prior sessions: A 5283, A 2117, and A 10547 (listed as prior-session related bills), suggesting ongoing interest in patient access to remote communication tools.
Next Steps
- As currently referred to Health, the bill would be assigned to the Health Committee for hearings and amendments. If approved by committee, it would proceed to the floor for a vote, then potentially to the other house, and onward to the governor for consideration.
This summary highlights the bill’s core aim: ensure video communication capabilities for certain patients during times when in-person visiting is limited, along with the sponsoring and procedural context to date.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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