December 2021: NYS Governor Hochul Signs “Fred’s Law.”

New Yorkers with disabilities now have the ability to bring a primary care person with them if they are admitted to a hospital during a state of emergency or pandemic because on Tuesday, December 21, Governor Kathy Hochul signed bill S.1035A — introduced by State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato — into law.

The new law — known as Fred’s Law — prohibits hospitals from disallowing individuals with disabilities, who are unable to describe for themselves their medical condition, from having an essential support person accompany them for the duration of their hospitalization in response to a pandemic or state disaster emergency.

This means that during an emergency situation or a pandemic those with a disability, such as autism, would be able to have an essential person with them in the hospital to assist in their medical care.

Click here to learn more about Fred’s Law.