§ 12-75-137 — Requirements for interacting with individuals who are Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing

(a) (1) During a disaster emergency under this chapter in which a requirement exists that citizens wear a face covering over nose and mouth, a person, who in the course of employment, rendering of professional services, or volunteering under subsection (b) of this section encounters and interacts with an individual who is Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing, shall wear upon request a clear face covering, a partially clear face covering, a face shield, or briefly remove the face covering or face shield if no other means of reasonable accommodation are available. (2) As used in subdivision (a)(1) of this section, "reasonable accommodation" includes without limitation: (A) Text messaging; (B) Typed messages on available electronic devices; (C) Whiteboard use; (D) Handwritten notes; and (E) Any other medium acceptable to the individual who is Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing. (b) A person is subject to subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the person is employed, renders professional services, or volunteers: (1) At a hospital; (2) At a healthcare center; (3) At a pharmacy; (4) For a law enforcement agency; (5) For an emergency medical service provider; (6) In a firefighting capacity; (7) At an institution of education or higher education; (8) In a speech-language-pathology or audiology capacity; or (9) In a sign-language-interpreting or sign-translating capacity. (c) A person who is subject to subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall allow a licensed sign language interpreter to accompany the individual who is Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing. (d) A complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., or a complaint with the appropriate licensing entity may be filed for a violation of this section.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2021, No. 697,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.