N.Y. Public Health Law § 2828*2: Essential support persons allowed for individuals with disabilities during a state of emergency

* § 2828. Essential support persons allowed for individuals with

disabilities during a state of emergency. 1. For purposes of this

section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) "Disability" shall mean any condition or disorder which prevents

or makes difficult for an individual the ability to communicate a

medical condition or certain specific medical or everyday needs,

including, but not limited to, autism or cerebral palsy.

(b) "Essential support person" shall mean an individual who frequently

accompanies and assists an individual with a disability with managing

and communicating basic or medical needs and is considered a critical

member of such individual's health care team.

2. (a) No general hospital shall establish any rules or regulations in

response to a pandemic or state disaster emergency declared by the

governor, prohibiting a patient who suffers from a disability from

having access to an essential support person for the duration of their

hospitalization from intake to discharge.

(b) An individual with a disability or the legal guardian for the

individual shall be allowed to designate a single primary essential

support person to assist with communicating medical needs and managing

everyday needs during hospitalization and such essential support person

shall be limited to such individual's parent, spouse or caretaker.

* NB There are 2 § 2828's