The proposed bill, titled the "No Patient Left Alone Act," establishes a legal right for patients and residents in healthcare facilities to have at least one support person of their choice present while receiving care or services. It mandates that healthcare providers must allow this presence and outlines specific definitions for terms such as "patient," "provider," and "support person." The bill also requires providers to have written policies regarding this right, including any necessary restrictions, and to inform patients and their support persons of these rights. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of accommodating support persons in various situations, such as end-of-life care and for minors, while also addressing visitation policies during emergencies like pandemics.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that protect patients' rights from being waived or terminated by providers, even during emergencies. It imposes civil penalties for providers who violate these rights and outlines the liability protections for providers regarding support person access. However, it also specifies exemptions where support persons may not be allowed, such as in operating rooms or during emergency care, and lists circumstances under which access can be restricted, including patient requests or safety concerns. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the emotional and psychological support available to patients during their care.