§ 2828*2 — Essential support persons allowed for individuals with disabilities during a state of emergency

* § 2828. Essential support persons allowed for individuals with\ndisabilities during a state of emergency. 1. For purposes of this\nsection, the following terms shall have the following meanings:\n (a) "Disability" shall mean any condition or disorder which prevents\nor makes difficult for an individual the ability to communicate a\nmedical condition or certain specific medical or everyday needs,\nincluding, but not limited to, autism or cerebral palsy.\n (b) "Essential support person" shall mean an individual who frequently\naccompanies and assists an individual with a disability with managing\nand communicating basic or medical needs and is considered a critical\nmember of such individual's health care team.\n 2. (a) No general hospital shall establish any rules or regulations in\nresponse to a pandemic or state disaster emergency declared by the\ngovernor, prohibiting a patient who suffers from a disability from\nhaving access to an essential support person for the duration of their\nhospitalization from intake to discharge.\n (b) An individual with a disability or the legal guardian for the\nindividual shall be allowed to designate a single primary essential\nsupport person to assist with communicating medical needs and managing\neveryday needs during hospitalization and such essential support person\nshall be limited to such individual's parent, spouse or caretaker.\n * NB There are 2 § 2828's\n