No Patient Left Alone Act; enact.
The Act lays out that minors have the right to have a parent or guardian with them, while adults can choose a spouse, family member, or caregiver as their designated visitor. Hospitals are allowed to establish safety protocols and visitation limits when necessary, particularly when visitor presence is contraindicated by medical judgment, could interfere with patient care, or if visitors engage in inappropriate behavior. Notably, no party can suspend or terminate these visitation rights, even during declared emergencies. This aspect of the bill emphasizes patient autonomy and accessibility to familial support during care.
Senate Bill 2890, titled the 'No Patient Left Alone Act', aims to secure the right of both minor and adult patients in hospitals to designate a visitor who can physically be present during their hospital care. This bill is a response to concerns raised during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding visitor restrictions in hospitals, where patients were often left alone in critical situations. The legislation mandates that hospitals allow such visitation rights and also provides a framework for the implementation of hospital visitation policies, empowering patients and their families during vulnerable times.
While the bill appears to be widely supported by families and advocacy groups advocating for patient rights, there may be contention related to the enforcement of safety protocols and the discretion hospitals have in restricting visitation. Hospitals will maintain the authority to revoke visitation rights if safety protocols are violated, potentially leading to disputes over enforcement. The requirement for hospitals to provide protective equipment and develop informational materials further adds to the operational burden on healthcare facilities, which might lead to varied implementation across hospitals in the state.