625-A - Information relative to claims; application forms.
§ 625-a. Information relative to claims; application forms. 1. Every police station, precinct house, any appropriate location where a crime may be reported and any location required by the rules and regulations of the office shall have available informative booklets, pamphlets and other pertinent written information, including information cards, to be supplied by the office, relating to the availability of crime victims compensation including all necessary application blanks required to be filed with the office and shall display prominently posters giving notification of the existence and general provisions of this article, those provisions of the penal law that prohibit the intimidation of crime victims and the location of the nearest crime victim service program. The office may issue guidelines for the location of such display and shall provide posters, application forms, information cards and general information. Every victim who reports a crime in any manner whatsoever shall be given notice about the rights of crime victims and the existence of all relevant local victim's assistance programs and services pursuant to section six hundred twenty-five-b of this article, and supplied by the person receiving the report with information, application blanks, and information cards which shall clearly state: (a) that crime victims may be eligible for state compensation benefits; (b) the address and phone number of the office; (c) that police and district attorneys can help protect victims against harassment and intimidation; (d) the addresses and phone numbers of local victim service programs, where appropriate, or space for inserting that information; or (e) any other information the office deems appropriate. Such cards shall be designed by the office in consultation with local police, and shall be printed and distributed by the office. The office shall develop a system for distributing a sufficient supply of the information cards referred to in this subdivision, to all the appropriate designated locations, which shall include a schedule for meeting that requirement. 1-a. Every general hospital established under the laws of this state, which maintains facilities for providing out-patient emergency medical care, shall display prominently in its emergency room posters giving notification of the existence and general provisions of this chapter. The board may issue guidelines for the location of such display and shall provide posters, application forms and general information regarding the provision of this chapter to each such hospital. 2. No cause of action of whatever nature or kind arising out of a failure to give or receive the notice required by this section shall accrue to any person against the state or any of its agencies or local subdivisions, or, any police officer or other agent, servant or employee thereof, or any hospital or agents or employees thereof, nor shall any such failure be deemed or construed to affect or alter any time limitation or other requirement contained in this article for the filing or payment of a claim hereunder.