Visitation Requirements Health-care Facilities

The bill requires each health-care facility to permit patients and residents in the health-care facility to receive visitors to the fullest extent permitted under the least restrictive of any applicable state laws or local ordinances. The bill authorizes the department of public health and environment (department) to issue a warning to a health-care facility if the department finds that the health-care facility has violated an applicable state law or local ordinance. The department may fine the health-care facility for a violation of the state law or local ordinance. If circumstances require the complete closure of a health-care facility to visitors, the health-care facility is required to use its best efforts to develop alternate visitation protocols that would allow visitation to the greatest extent and as safely as possible. A health-care facility is required to provide notice of its patient and resident visitation rights and to allow compassionate care visits. Notwithstanding other provisions of law to the contrary, each health-care facility is required to allow compassionate care visits if specific circumstances apply. A health-care facility may require compassionate care visitors to pass a health screening and wear personal protective equipment. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)