Provides access for patients of hospitals and residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other adult residential care homes to members of the clergy who volunteer to minister and provide religious sacraments and services, counseling, and mental health support during COVID-19 and other public health emergencies (Item #28)
Impact
The bill significantly amends existing laws regarding health emergencies by including clergy among those who can offer mental health support services. It establishes that during public health emergencies, clergy can provide religious engagement, which is considered essential for many patients and residents. The bill also provides protections against civil liability for healthcare facilities concerning allegations arising from clergy visits, encouraging greater spiritual care despite the pandemic's constraints. This is perceived as enhancing patient care by aligning physical health support with mental and spiritual care needs.
Summary
House Bill 33 provides structured access for patients in hospitals and residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other adult residential care homes to members of the clergy during public health emergencies, specifically COVID-19 or similar contagious diseases. This access includes the provision of religious sacraments and counseling, allowing clergy to visit and minister to patients in healthcare settings. The bill specifically mandates that healthcare facilities must ensure this access, while delineating protocols to ensure both safety and compliance during such emergency conditions.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 33 appears to be supportive, especially among groups advocating for mental health and spiritual care within healthcare settings. Proponents argue that access to clergy is vital for emotional and spiritual well-being during such crises. However, there may exist some contention regarding the liability provisions, as critics could interpret these as overly protective for healthcare facilities at potentially the expense of accountability. The balance between maintaining safety during emergencies and ensuring religious support is a focal point of discussion among lawmakers.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the scope of clergy's responsibilities and the stipulations regarding liability. While the intention is to safeguard clergy from lawsuits arising out of exposure to infectious diseases while officiating, concerns could arise regarding the enforcement of safety protocols and the potential for gross negligence by healthcare facilities if clergy members are inadequately protected. Additionally, the bill does not compel clergy to visit patients, framing participation as voluntary, which may lead to debates on the adequacy of spiritual care offered during emergencies.
Provides access for patients of hospitals and residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other adult residential care homes to members of the clergy who volunteer to minister and provide religious sacraments and services, counseling, and mental health support during COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. (gov sig) (Item #28)
Provides relative to visitation by members of the clergy of patients and residents at certain licensed health facilities during public health emergencies (Items #28 and 59)
Provides for administrative rules relative to visitation of nursing home and assisted living facility residents during a public health emergency (Item #59)
Provides an exemption from sales tax on the sale of meals to staff, patients and residents of nursing homes, adult residential care providers, and continuing care retirement communities. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)