Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation that will require all general hospitals in New York State to establish language assistance programs, aiming to improve access to health care for patients who face language barriers. The law mandates hospitals to appoint a language assistance coordinator, create procedures for identifying and supporting patients needing language services, provide ongoing staff training, ensure appropriate signage, document language preferences in medical records, and offer skilled interpreters or staff for those with vision or hearing impairments.
“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 measure addresses longstanding challenges faced by non-English speakers and individuals with communication disabilities in hospital settings across the state. According to State Senator Gustavo Rivera: “Ensuring language access at hospitals for every New Yorker is imperative for a state that wants to ensure access to care is universal. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this valuable legislation by Senator Liu and Assemblymember Rozic.”
State Senator John Liu noted persistent issues where children have had to translate complex medical information for their parents due to inadequate support: “Every patient who walks through a hospital’s doors should have the ability to communicate clearly and confidently with their doctor, especially during emergencies when time is of the essence. Unfortunately, too many young children still need to translate complicated healthcare information for their immigrant parents due to insufficient language support throughout state hospitals. This bill will make sure in-language isn’t just an afterthought, but a requirement for all of New York’s hospitals so all New Yorkers can have confidence that their healthcare is in good hands.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin praised the efforts behind the bill: “Assemblymember Rozic and Senator Liu have been a champion for patients who too often struggle to navigate our health-care system, and this legislation reflects her strong commitment to equity in care. It fills a longstanding gap to help ensure that our hospitals better meet the needs of the communities they serve, and I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic emphasized patient needs over English proficiency: “Navigating healthcare shouldn’t depend on your English proficiency — it should depend on your needs as a patient. I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for recognizing the urgency of this issue and to Senator John Liu for his steadfast partnership in getting this done. Together, we are making our hospitals more reflective of the communities they serve.”
Other lawmakers echoed these sentiments about equitable access and cultural competence within health systems statewide.
Community organizations also welcomed the change. Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung from CACF highlighted its impact on Asian American communities: “Language access is health equity. Right now in New York State, over a third of Asian American New Yorkers are currently limited English proficient (LEP) and these language barriers greatly impact families as they try to navigate the healthcare system… Having access to culturally responsive language assistance coordinators will be transformative for our community members seeking medical care.” Wayne Ho from Chinese-American Planning Council stated: “We hear from the community members we serve every day who struggle… Our limited English proficient and Asian American communities deserve dignity… This law takes meaningful steps… ensures more equity in treatment…”
Daphne Thammasila at AAF said: “At the Asian American Federation, we see every day how vital language access is… Nearly half of Asian New Yorkers — and over 70% of our seniors — face serious barriers… No one should struggle… simply because an interpreter isn’t available.”
Leaders from other advocacy groups representing South Asian Americans, Korean Americans, Afghan women refugees, Pakistani immigrants, among others—all stressed how critical professional interpretation services are during hospital visits.
The law’s passage marks another step by state officials toward ensuring equitable health outcomes among diverse populations.
