Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Fred’s Law on Dec. 21, which changes hospital protocol to allow people with disabilities a support person for their entire hospitalization, even during a pandemic.
The bill (S.1035A) was introduced by Queens state Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assembly member Stacey Pheffer Amato to protect individuals with disabilities who are unable to describe medical conditions for themselves. Even during an emergency situation like the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospital protocols don’t allow any visitors, people with disabilities would still have the right to an essential support person present.
