HB 5097
Require hospitals with no ASL interpreter on staff provide technology for hearing or speech impaired patients to communicate
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires hospitals and similar healthcare facilities in West Virginia to provide effective communication assistance to patients and their families or caregivers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Hospitals without an on-staff American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter must offer technology like assistive listening devices, captioning, and visual alert systems. The West Virginia Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing will oversee the approval of ASL interpreters to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Key provisions
- Hospitals must ensure effective communication with deaf and hard of hearing patients.
- Facilities must provide ASL interpreters for consultations and appointments.
- Facilities must offer assistive listening devices and communication technology.
- Medical forms and documents must be available in accessible formats.
- Visual alarm systems must be installed.
- The West Virginia Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing will approve ASL interpreters.
- Noncompliance will be reported to licensing authorities.
Who is affected
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory health care facilities
- Ambulatory surgical facilities
- Extended care facilities
- Deaf and hard of hearing patients
Notable changes
- Establishes a process for approving ASL interpreters by the West Virginia Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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