New York S0779C amends the mental hygiene law to establish a Communication Bill of Rights for individuals with disabilities, guaranteeing the right to communicate autonomously in their preferred manner using any validated communication supports. The bill mandates that all staff and service providers recognize and uphold these communication rights to promote dignity. The Senate version narrows the scope to autonomous forms of speech, departing from the broader Assembly version A7363C, which addressed a wider range of communication needs and support methods. This restriction limits which individuals with disabilities can access protected communication rights under the law. The bill prioritizes government-defined validation standards over individual patient choice in determining which communication supports qualify for protection.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA opposes this Senate version because it restricts patient autonomy by narrowing communication rights to only autonomous forms of speech, excluding individuals who depend on alternative communication methods and support systems. The emphasis on government-validated communication tools creates regulatory barriers that contradict MAHA's commitment to patient choice and health freedom by allowing bureaucratic standards to override individual needs and preferences. The Assembly version A7363C provided broader protections for diverse communication approaches without this restrictive language, offering true communication freedom rather than state-approved options. By limiting access to communication supports, the Senate version denies individuals with disabilities the autonomy and choice that MAHA advocates for. This departure from A7363C represents regulatory overreach that undermines transparent, patient-centered healthcare.

Make your voice heard and take action

Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins 518-455-2585 scousins@nysenate.gov