Permits licensed healthcare facilities to suspend visits of those person who are verbally or physically berating staff or providing non-prescribed or illegal medications to any patient. Suspensions would be lifted in cases of end of life scenarios.
Impact
The bill specifically amends existing laws to empower healthcare facilities to suspend visitation privileges for individuals who verbally or physically harass staff or provide non-prescribed medications to patients. These suspensions vary in length depending on the severity of the offense, aiming to create a safer environment for healthcare staff and patients alike. Additionally, the bill mandates that any suspensions for such offenses are lifted in cases of end-of-life visits, ensuring that compassionate care is maintained during critical times.
Summary
House Bill 7621, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, addresses the visitation rights of patients within licensed healthcare facilities. This bill was proposed to establish clear protocols regarding who can be designated as immediate family members for visitation purposes, allowing patients to specify up to five individuals who are not related by blood or marriage to be considered as family for visitation rights. The primary aim of the bill is to enhance patient-centered care while ensuring that patients' desires are clearly documented in their medical records.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 7621 include the balance between enforcing staff safety and preserving patient rights. While proponents argue that the legislation is necessary to protect healthcare workers from abuse and to streamline visitation processes, opponents may raise concerns about potential overreach in imposing visitation restrictions, particularly regarding the subjective nature of what constitutes harassment. The measures taken under this bill may lead to debates about how best to ensure the rights of patients and the safety and well-being of healthcare staff.
Determination Of Need For New Healthcare Equipment And New Institutional Health Services -- Licensing Of Healthcare Facilities -- The Hospital Conversions Act
Providing for the regulation of supplemental nursing services agencies and healthcare workers platforms by the secretary for aging and disability services.
Providing for the regulation of supplemental nursing services agencies and healthcare workers platforms by the secretary for aging and disability services.