Int 1053-2013

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Chapter 1 of title 30 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 30-110 to read as follows: § 30-110 Special medical needs shelters. The commissioner, in consultation with relevant federal, state and local agencies, shall develop or update a plan no later than December first, two thousand thirteen for the tracking of persons in special medical needs shelters established as a result of coastal storms and other severe weather and natural disaster events. Such plan shall include but not be limited to the following features, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to interfere with the ability of agencies responding to an emergency to implement plans, modify plans, or take steps not described in any written plan, in a manner appropriate to circumstances particular to that emergency: a. a mechanism to adequately track persons who enter or exit a special medical needs shelter; b. a mechanism for the dissemination of bracelets or other wearable identification devices to be used on a voluntary basis by any person entering a special medical needs shelter if such device has not been provided by the state, which shall include to the extent permitted by state and federal law such person’s name, address, emergency contact information, and information provided regarding the medical needs of such person, or an identification number or other identifier that will enable the shelter operator to locate such information; c. a mechanism to track the medical needs of any person using a special medical needs shelter if such mechanism has not been provided by the state and to the extent information regarding such medical needs is available, including but not limited to needed medications; d. a mechanism for enabling persons who use special medical needs shelters and who do not object to disclosure of their location to be contacted by their family members and guardians, including the establishment of a designated point of contact for such information and a description of how such mechanism will be publicized; and e. a mechanism for consulting community based organizations and service providers with relevant expertise, including but not limited to those representing the interests of individuals with special medical needs, in regard to the development of such plan. § 2. This local law shall take effect immediately. 7/16/13 10:26PM MRM/KET