Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation that will require all general hospitals in New York State to establish language assistance programs. The measure aims to ensure that patients can access health care services regardless of their primary language.
“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.”
Under the new law, each hospital must appoint a language assistance coordinator and implement policies to identify and provide ongoing access for patients who need language support. Hospitals will also be required to offer staff training, display appropriate signage, document patients’ language preferences in medical records, and provide interpreters or staff skilled in communicating with individuals who have vision or hearing impairments.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera commented, “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 added, “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 stated, “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 said, “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.”
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages remarked, “Every New Yorker has the right to quality medical care, and language should never block someone from getting the help they need. This law brings us closer to a system that is equitable, accessible, and culturally competent. By expanding language resources, we ensure that patients can clearly communicate with their providers without fear of misunderstandings. I thank Governor Hochul, Assemblywoman Rozic, and Senator Liu for advancing this essential legislation.”
Assemblymember Karines Reyes noted the importance of addressing barriers faced by non-English speakers: “New York is home to large populations of non-English speakers, the hearing impaired and others, who depend on general hospitals for quality care. Language barriers are a serious hindrance to the delivery of care to these sizable populations, and Governor Hochul’s signing of this pivotal legislation makes serious strides in removing those barriers. I look forward to seeing how the medical facilities creatively expand access to health care, through the development of protocols and programs to allow for the adequate accommodation of all patients who require language assistance.”
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas highlighted how A387B would impact families: “Today’s signing of A387B is a major win for New Yorkers who deserve clear, accessible communication when seeking hospital care. This law requires hospitals to provide vital language-assistance services — including translated forms and access to interpreters — so patients can understand their treatment, billing, and follow-up care. As someone who represents one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the state, I know how transformative — even life-saving — this bill can be for families like mine. I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing this critical bill and congratulate Assemblymember Nily Rozic and Senator John Liu for their leadership in championing it. With A387 now law, we’re making our healthcare system more equitable and responsive to the needs of all our communities.”
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar emphasized her district’s diversity: “As a representative of Queens, the most linguistically diverse community in the world, I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to guarantee language access for all New Yorkers. In moments of crisis—especially in the emergency room—timely care can mean the difference between life and death. No one should ever be denied care because of a language barrier. With this bill now becoming law, we uphold a simple yet profound truth: every New Yorker—whether they speak a different language or communicate through sign language—has the right to be seen, heard, and fully supported when seeking healthcare.”
Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments about improving equity across health systems statewide.
Community organizations also expressed support following years advocating improved access at hospitals serving immigrant populations.
CACF’s Co-Executive Directors Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung said: “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…This is a critical step forward…Having access to culturally responsive language assistance coordinators will be transformative…Our coalition is proud…and will continue work…to ensure that language access services are strengthened across state.”
Chinese-American Planning Council President & CEO Wayne Ho added: “We hear from community members we serve every day who struggle…Our limited English proficient…communities deserve dignity…This law takes meaningful steps…and ensures more equity in treatment…We are deeply grateful…”
AAF Associate Director Daphne Thammasila explained: “At Asian American Federation…nearly half…face serious barriers…No one should struggle…because an interpreter isn’t available…All New Yorkers deserve quality healthcare regardless…the language they speak.”
Other leaders from Asian Americans For Equality (AAFE), CAIPA (Coalition Of Asian-American IPA), MinKwon Center For Community Action as well as groups representing Afghan women’s rights advocates praised passage as crucial progress toward fairer treatment.
Representatives from South Asian Council For Social Services (SACSS), Women For Afghan Women (WAW), American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG), Korean American Family Services Center (KAFSC), along with several city councilmembers representing diverse neighborhoods throughout Queens also issued statements supporting implementation.
The new requirements come amid recognition that significant portions of residents across New York do not speak English as their first or primary language—a factor shown by local advocacy groups as contributing directly both delays or errors in diagnosis/treatment as well as broader disparities among minority communities receiving hospital-based medical attention.