New York A02491 mandates that every nursing home patient have access to a telephone capable of local and long-distance calls.

New York A02491 amends the public health law to ensure that every nursing home patient has access to a telephone capable of making local and long-distance calls. The telephone must be either at the patient's bedside or in the patient's room, depending on the patient's mobility. This requirement is subject to regulations set by the commissioner. The act will take effect 180 days after it becomes law, with necessary regulatory changes authorized immediately.

New York A02491 mandates that every nursing home patient have access to a telephone capable of local and long-distance calls.

New York A02491 amends the public health law to ensure that every nursing home patient has access to a telephone capable of making local and long-distance calls. The telephone must be either at the patient's bedside or in the patient's room, depending on the patient's mobility. This requirement is subject to regulations set by the commissioner. The act will take effect 180 days after it becomes law, with necessary regulatory changes authorized immediately.