No Patient Left Alone Act of 2023 This bill requires hospitals, as a condition of Medicare participation, to have certain written policies and procedures that provide for patient visitation rights and to inform patients of such rights, including any applicable restrictions.
If enacted, HB 219 will significantly alter the existing framework of hospital policies, making it a requirement for healthcare institutions to uphold specific visitation rights. By enforcing written policies, the bill seeks to promote transparency and patient autonomy in selecting visitors, including family members and friends. These rights cannot be restricted on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, or disability. This legislative change is likely to affect patient care and hospital operations, enhancing the overall patient experience during hospital stays.
House Bill 219, also known as the ‘No Patient Left Alone Act of 2023,’ aims to enhance patient rights regarding hospital visitation. The bill mandates that hospitals participating in Medicare must have formal policies that ensure patients are fully informed about their visitation rights. This includes detailing any potential restrictions on those rights, providing a comprehensive understanding of who may visit and under what conditions. Such measures intend to safeguard patients' emotional well-being and ensure they are not isolated during vulnerable moments in healthcare settings.
There has been some discussion surrounding the implications of the bill, particularly regarding the constraints that might be placed on hospitals in terms of visitation flexibility. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a crucial step in ensuring patients receive the emotional support they need while hospitalized, particularly in critical care situations. Conversely, some hospital administrators express concerns that mandatory visitation policies could complicate the management of hospital admissions during peak times, possibly impacting the quality of care provided.