Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 245. A hospital or a home health agency shall provide access to health transportation for vulnerable patients, including geographically-isolated, low income, English language challenged, illiterate, having a disability, or elder adults struggling with dementia.

As used in this section, the term “appointment companion” shall mean a person who, at the request of a patient, is provided through a hospital or home health agency that ensures a patient is taken to and from their appointments whether in a patient’s own transportation, public transportation or health care transportation. 

An appointment companion shall not be responsible for any costs that the patient accrues related to transportation.

A hospital or a home health agency shall ensure an easier process and effective coordination to access to health transportation. Patient online accounts shall include a section to request transportation services for an appointment companion for vulnerable patients includes those in geographically-isolated, low income, English language challenged, illiterate, have a disability, or elder adults struggling with dementia.

If a medical appointment for which a patient has requested transportation is scheduled, the request shall automatically transfer to future appointments.

The department of public health shall promulgate regulations to implement this section.