Visitation policy guidelines for hospitals during public health emergencies.

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to visitation policy guidelines for hospitals during public health emergencies

This bill would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”) to develop voluntary guidelines for hospital visitation policies in the event of a public health emergency. Such guidelines would be distributed to hospitals in the City, posted on the DOHMH website, and submitted to the Mayor and Speaker of the Council. This bill would also require DOHMH to develop voluntary guidelines for hospital visitation policies in response to the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, by July 1, 2020.