Legislation Requires Adequate Language Assistance Programs in All New York State Hospitals
News Release – December 10, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to require general hospitals across the state to develop a language assistance program to ensure patients are able to access all health care services. This legislation builds on New York’s role as a national leader in breaking down barriers to quality health care and resources.
“Everyone deserves the right to accessible health care, free from language barriers that prevent them from accessing the services they need,” Governor Hochul said. “Signing this legislation ensures that all New Yorkers, regardless of their primary language, are treated with dignity and care.”
The bill would require every general hospital to develop a language assistance program that adds certain elements, including:
- The designation of a language assistance coordinator
- Policies and procedures that ensure timely identification and ongoing access for patients in need of language assistance services
- Ongoing education and training for hospital staff
- Appropriate signage
- Documentation of language preference in medical records
- Provision of skilled interpreters and other staff skilled in communication with vision and/or hearing-impaired individuals to patients requiring such services
Posted: December 10th, 2025 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Social Issues, State Government News, State Legislator News.