Arkansas House Bill HB1509

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23
• Report Pass: 3/9/23
• Engrossed: 3/13/23
• Refer: 3/13/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Amend The No Patient Left Alone Act; To Require Outpatient Facilities To Comply With Visitation And Support Person Requirements; And To Add Penalties For A Violation Of The No Patient Left Alone Act.

Impact

The implications of HB1509 are significant for state laws governing healthcare and patient rights. It formally integrates outpatient facilities into the No Patient Left Alone Act, thereby clarifying that these facilities are also accountable for following visitation requirements. This would potentially increase the number of patients benefiting from consistent support during their care, enhancing patient experience and outcomes. Furthermore, the bill enforces penalties for non-compliance, thereby holding facilities accountable for their adherence to these new regulations.

Summary

House Bill 1509 seeks to amend the No Patient Left Alone Act in Arkansas by expanding visitation rights for patients with disabilities within various healthcare facilities, including outpatient facilities. The bill mandates that these facilities allow patients to designate at least three support persons who can be present during their treatment, thus ensuring they are not left alone, especially during vulnerable times. This includes an explicit provision for patients who have cognitive or mental health disabilities, require assistance with daily activities, or need effective communication support.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1509 appears positive among stakeholders, particularly those advocating for disability rights and patient autonomy. Proponents see this amendment as a crucial step toward improving the quality of care for individuals with disabilities by ensuring that they have necessary support during medical procedures. However, there are also concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such requirements across various facilities, especially outpatient settings, which might lead to operational challenges.

Contention

Despite the general support for the bill, notable points of contention arise regarding the enforcement of visitation rights and how they may impact hospital operations. Some critics voice concerns over the potential strain on staff and resources in managing additional support persons during busy treatment periods. There are also apprehensions that stringent penalties for facilities failing to comply might lead to an overly cautious approach that could limit patient access to needed medical care.