STATEHOUSE (Jan. 12, 2020) – State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger) recently filed Senate Bill 202 to address health facility visitation.
SB 202 would expand visitation at long-term care facilities by requiring these facilities to participate in the Compassionate Care Program and the Essential Caregiver Program, which were both established by the Indiana State Department of Health and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
These programs allow a designated person to be deemed an essential family caregiver, permitting the individual to visit the resident they care for, even when visitation is halted due to a declared emergency, public health emergency or similar crisis.
This bill would also provide civil immunity to long-term care facilities participating in the programs unless their behavior constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have been unable to visit and check on the welfare of their loved ones in long-term care families," Rogers said. "SB 202 would address this issue by ensuring an essential family caregiver is able to provide important support and companionship to a resident."
SB 202 has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services.
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Click here for a high-resolution photo of Rogers.
