Assembly Bill 418 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 an individual designated by the resident or patient to provide support. 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 grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to healthcare professionals and facilities for actions taken in accordance with the bill's provisions. The bill also enables individuals to file complaints with the Department of Health Services if facilities fail to comply with these visitation requirements.