New Jersey Senate Bill S3143

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/6/24
• Refer: 5/6/24

Caption

Requires hospitals and nursing homes to provide access to certain interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing.

Impact

If enacted, S3143 will significantly change how hospitals and nursing homes operate in relation to their communication facilities for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. By requiring facilities to provide access to interpreter services around the clock, the bill seeks to ensure that patients receive the same level of care and communication as other patients, thereby promoting equality in healthcare access. The requirement for electronic forms of interpreting may also encourage healthcare providers to adopt technological solutions that can streamline communication processes in their facilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 3143 mandates that hospitals and nursing homes in New Jersey provide 24/7 access to interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. This legislation specifically targets healthcare facilities licensed under a particular statute, ensuring that such services are readily available to meet the needs of these individuals. The bill emphasizes the inclusion of modern interpreting technologies, such as video remote interpreting and artificial intelligence-assisted services, thereby enhancing communication accessibility in healthcare settings.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face contention regarding the logistics and costs associated with implementing these interpreter services. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirement places an undue financial burden on smaller healthcare facilities that may struggle to provide such services 24/7. Additionally, there may be discussions around the adequacy of existing interpreting services and the effectiveness of new technologies like AI in providing quality interpretation for sensitive health discussions.