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Guaranteeing Essential Caregiver Access to Loved Ones in Nursing Homes During Emergencies.

This law grants residents of nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities the right to designate "essential caregivers" who must be guaranteed daily access to their loved ones, even during pandemics or other crises when regular visitation is restricted. The goal is to prevent the isolation and health decline observed during COVID-19. It also establishes a rapid appeal process for caregivers denied access.
Key points
Residents of long-term care facilities gain the right to designate a caregiver who can visit them daily and at any time, regardless of general visitation restrictions.
Caregivers must adhere to facility safety protocols, which cannot be more restrictive than those applied to staff members.
In case of unjustified denial of access, caregivers and residents have the right to a rapid appeal, which must be investigated within 48 hours.
Facilities violating these rules may face fines up to $5,000 and will be required to immediately restore access.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8331
Sponsor: Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
Process start date: 2024-05-08
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Essential Caregivers Act of 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_8331.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-05-08.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Residents of long-term care facilities gain the right to designate a caregiver who can visit them daily and at any time, regardless of general visitation restrictions.
  • Caregivers must adhere to facility safety protocols, which cannot be more restrictive than those applied to staff members.
  • In case of unjustified denial of access, caregivers and residents have the right to a rapid appeal, which must be investigated within 48 hours.
  • Facilities violating these rules may face fines up to $5,000 and will be required to immediately restore access.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits Family