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Guaranteed Access for Essential Caregivers in Care Facilities During Emergencies

This law ensures that residents in nursing homes and other care facilities can always have a designated "essential caregiver" visit them, even when general visitation is restricted during emergencies. It aims to prevent the isolation and health decline many residents experienced during past crises, guaranteeing continued support and advocacy for their well-being. Facilities must allow access and face penalties for wrongful denials.
Key points
Residents in nursing homes and other care facilities gain the right to designate an "essential caregiver" who can visit them at all times, even during emergencies when general visits are restricted.
Essential caregivers must follow facility safety rules, which cannot be stricter than those for staff, ensuring a balance between safety and access.
Facilities can only temporarily deny access for up to 7 days (or 14 with state approval), but must always allow access for residents in end-of-life care or experiencing distress.
If access is denied, residents or caregivers can appeal the decision to a state agency, which must investigate quickly, and facilities must prove the denial was justified.
Facilities violating these rules may face penalties, including fines and requirements to immediately restore caregiver access.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_3492
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Process start date: 2025-12-16
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Essential Caregivers Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_3492.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-12-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Residents in nursing homes and other care facilities gain the right to designate an "essential caregiver" who can visit them at all times, even during emergencies when general visits are restricted.
  • Essential caregivers must follow facility safety rules, which cannot be stricter than those for staff, ensuring a balance between safety and access.
  • Facilities can only temporarily deny access for up to 7 days (or 14 with state approval), but must always allow access for residents in end-of-life care or experiencing distress.
  • If access is denied, residents or caregivers can appeal the decision to a state agency, which must investigate quickly, and facilities must prove the denial was justified.
  • Facilities violating these rules may face penalties, including fines and requirements to immediately restore caregiver access.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

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 Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-11.

CATEGORIES

Health Family