New York bill A05702 allows hospital patients to designate an essential visitor to assist them.

New York bill A05702 amends the public health law to authorize patients admitted to a hospital for more than two days to designate an essential visitor. This visitor can be a family member, attorney in fact, health care proxy, or another individual chosen by the patient. The essential visitor can perform duties such as communicating with hospital staff about the patient's needs, providing emotional support, and requesting changes to the care plan. The bill also allows hospitals to require essential visitors to take precautionary measures, such as disease screenings, before being admitted.

New York bill A05702 allows hospital patients to designate an essential visitor to assist them.

New York bill A05702 amends the public health law to authorize patients admitted to a hospital for more than two days to designate an essential visitor. This visitor can be a family member, attorney in fact, health care proxy, or another individual chosen by the patient. The essential visitor can perform duties such as communicating with hospital staff about the patient's needs, providing emotional support, and requesting changes to the care plan. The bill also allows hospitals to require essential visitors to take precautionary measures, such as disease screenings, before being admitted.