What's happening
This bill requires public health information in New York to be provided in the eight most spoken languages, both in written and electronic forms.
Why it matters
Expanding language access ensures that New York’s increasingly diverse population, including immigrants and non-English speakers, will have improved access to vital public health information, potentially leading to better health outcomes and more equitable public health responses.
Providing information in both electronic and written forms addresses digital divides and literacy barriers, making it more likely that essential health updates reach vulnerable communities who may rely on different types of media.
Mandating translation for all publicly disclosed findings, conclusions, and determinations from the Board of Professional Medical Conduct and the Department of Health increases transparency and accountability, allowing more residents to understand and engage with decisions that affect their health and medical care.
By specifying the eight most spoken languages, the law targets the largest linguistic groups, maximizing the impact of translation efforts while setting a precedent for potential future expansions to additional languages as demographics shift.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Health Info in 8 Languages
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Publish Health Info in 8 Languages
In Assembly Committee · Health · Sponsor Ron Kim
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3474
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 23, 2017
Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to information disseminated to the public by the state board of professional medical conduct and by the department of health relating to health information
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 230 of the public health law is amended by adding a new subdivision 20 to read as follows:
20. All information, findings, conclusions and determinations which are authorized or required to be disclosed to the public shall be published in both written and electronic form in the eight languages which are most spoken in this state.
§ 2. Section 2997-a of the public health law, as added by chapter 542 of the laws of 2000, is amended to read as follows:
§ 2997-a. Public access. 1. Nothing in this title shall abridge public access to information currently available or permitted by any other provision or rule of law. Nothing in this title shall not authorize the disclosure of otherwise confidential information, except pursuant to the express terms of this title.
2. All information made available to the public pursuant to this title shall be provided in both written and electronic form in the eight languages which are most spoken in this state.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have became a law; provided that, effective immediately, any rules and regulations or any other action necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be completed on or before such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05189-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to information disseminated to the public by the state board of professional medical conduct and by the department of health relating to health information
Purpose or general idea of bill
Requires information made public by the state board of professional medical conduct and health information to be published in the 8 most spoken languages.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1: section 230 of the public health law is amended by adding a new subdivision 20 to read as follows: All information, findings, conclusions and determinations which are authorized or required to be disclosed to the public shall be published in both written and electronic form in the 8 languages which are most spoken in New York State.
Section 2: Amending of Section 2997-a of the public health law as added by chapter 542 of the laws of 2000.
Justification
This legislation ensures the public's awareness of health issues by making information accessible in their native tongue. The increase of diversity among constituents makes it vital for information to be translated in multiple languages. Having this information only in English can only benefit those fluent in the English language and not the public as a whole.
Prior legislative history
2015-16: S.1509 - Referred to Health 2013-14: S.3097 - Referred to Health 2011-12 S.1122 - Referred to Health 2010: S.2077 Referred to Health
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one-hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law; provided that, effective immediately, any rules and regulations or any other action necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be completed on or before such date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.