Senate Bill 417 aims to establish visitation rights for residents of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospital patients during outbreaks of communicable diseases. The bill mandates that these facilities must allow at least one member of the clergy and, in compassionate care situations, one essential visitor to visit residents or patients when visitation is limited due to an outbreak. An essential visitor is defined as a guardian or agent under an activated power of attorney for health care, or an individual designated by the resident or patient. The bill also outlines specific circumstances under which visitation must be allowed, such as when a resident is nearing the end of life or grieving a loss.

Additionally, the bill provides conditions under which visitation can be denied, including non-compliance with health policies or if the resident or patient does not wish to receive visitors. It allows for compliance with more restrictive federal guidelines if issued, and individuals can file complaints with the Department of Health Services for non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to healthcare professionals and facilities for actions taken while allowing visitation under the new requirements.