Subject: The No Patient Left Alone Act

In the near future, I will be introducing the No Patient Left Alone Act, legislation to ensure that no patient in Pennsylvania is ever again forced to face serious illness, treatment, or the end of life without the presence and support of their loved ones.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, countless Pennsylvanians suffered or died alone due to blanket visitation bans. Families were denied the chance to say good-bye, and children were often barred by age restrictions from seeing critically ill parents or grandparents. These policies caused deep emotional trauma that remains with many today.

This bill establishes clear, enforceable rights to prevent such tragedies from ever occurring again. Key Provisions of the No Patient Left Alone Act:
 

• Guaranteed Right to Support Persons
  Patients may designate support persons of their choosing—family, friends, caregivers, clergy, or advocates—who may be present throughout their care.
• Mandatory Access for Vulnerable Patients & End-of-Life Situations
  Facilities must provide real, meaningful visitation for ICU patients, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, behavioral health patients, and those nearing end-of-life. The bill strongly presumes in favor of in-person access.
• Protection for Minors and Families
  Minors may visit or serve as support persons when a parent or legal guardian consents. Age alone cannot be used to deny visitation.
• Prohibition on Blanket Visitation Bans
  No facility may impose a facility-wide or system-wide ban based solely on internal policy or a generalized health emergency. Any restriction must be individualized, documented, and based on a specific, unmitigable risk.
• Balanced Facility Protections
  Health care providers receive civil immunity for illnesses or injuries to visitors when acting in good faith and following safety protocols—while excluding willful misconduct.
• Enforcement & Penalties
  The bill includes civil fines, administrative licensure actions, and, in egregious end-of-life denials, criminal penalties to ensure compliance.

This legislation reflects the values of compassion, dignity, and family unity. It ensures that patients—regardless of age, diagnosis, or circumstance—have the human support they need during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

I respectfully invite you to join me as a co-sponsor so that no patient in Pennsylvania is ever left alone again.

For questions, please contact Donald Beishl (dbeishl@pasen.gov) or Aaron Bashir (abashir@pasen.gov) in my office.