Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Impact
If enacted, S09388 will significantly modify existing public health law in New York. Under the proposed changes, hospitals intending to close must submit detailed plans, including health equity assessments assessing the impact of closure on medically underserved populations. Hospitals would be required to engage with their communities and offer opportunities for public dialogue, ensuring that local voices are heard in decisions that could affect healthcare access. This legislative effort seeks to strengthen the relationship between hospitals and the communities they serve by making them more accountable.
Summary
S09388, also known as the 'Local Input in Community Healthcare Act,' mandates that general hospitals provide public notice and foster community engagement before closing entirely or discontinuing services in important units such as those providing maternity, mental health, or substance use care. The bill aims to ensure that affected communities are informed and have an opportunity to express their concerns regarding the impacts of such closures on healthcare access. Specifically, it establishes processes for hospitals to notify relevant parties, including public health councils, and hold community forums to gather input from stakeholders before any final decisions are made.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding S09388 primarily revolve around concerns from hospital administrators regarding potential bureaucratic burdens and the timing of community engagement processes. Some stakeholders have raised issues about whether increased requirements for public forums and assessments could delay necessary and timely decisions regarding facility operations. Conversely, advocates champion the legislation as essential for protecting vulnerable populations who might be adversely affected by sudden healthcare service reductions. The balance between efficient hospital operations and robust community engagement remains a pivotal point of discussion.
Same As
Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Requires security at all publicly accessible entrances of general hospitals; requires every general hospital to have either one off-duty law enforcement officer or trained security personnel be present at all times at each publicly accessible entrance or have installed locking doors at each publicly accessible entrance; requires every general hospital to provide wearable employee panic buttons or alert devices capable of immediately notifying on-site security personnel or law enforcement in the event of a dangerous situation or emergency.
Requires general hospitals and nursing homes to offer free notarial services to patients; requires an employee of such general hospital or nursing home who is a notary public to be present from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on business days.