Relating to health care facilities; to add Section 22-21-437 to the Code of Alabama 1975; to require health care facilities to adopt certain visitation policies; to provide that patients have a right to certain visitation; to allow patients to designate an essential caregiver and to guarantee that caregiver certain visitation rights; to prohibit a health care facility from adopting a visitation policy that is more stringent than certain employee policies; to prohibit a health care facility from requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination or from prohibiting consensual physical contact between visitors and patients; to provide for the circumstances in which patients may not be denied visitors; to require health care facilities to provide visitation policies to the Department of Public Health; to require the Department of Public Health to develop a mechanism for complaints; to prohibit any suspension or modification by emergency rule or order; and to repeal Sections 22-21-430 through 22-21-436, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to hospital visitation during a public health emergency.
The implementation of SB2 is intended to enhance the quality of patient experience by allowing more flexibility and support through visitors during critical times. The bill emphasizes that visitation policies cannot impose stricter rules on visitors than those governing facility staff, ensuring equitable treatment. Additionally, it requires health care facilities to submit their visitation guidelines to the Department of Public Health and creates a framework for the public to understand and report grievances regarding these policies.
SB2 aims to reform visitation policies within health care facilities, establishing statutory rights for patients regarding visitors. It stipulates that patients, residents, and clients have the right to receive visitors of their choice during established visiting hours, further mandating the creation of revisited visitation policies that align with these rights. The bill specifically requires that individuals designated as essential caregivers be permitted at least two hours of daily visitation, thereby elevating their role within the care structure by ensuring they can support patients during significant emotional or health-related challenges.
There are points of contention surrounding SB2, particularly regarding the prohibition of vaccination proof as a requirement for visitors and limitations on health care facilities' ability to restrict visitation during emergencies. Critics may argue that these provisions could compromise safety measures originally put in place during public health emergencies, while supporters advocate for patient rights and family involvement in care processes. Overall, the balance between safety and accessibility for patients during significant life events remains a primary focus in the discussions surrounding this bill.