HB 1883 / SB 1641

This bill generally authorizes in-person visitation with a client/patient at a hospital, to evaluate their condition. An attorney who is designated to make healthcare decisions under a durable power of attorney AND an individual who has been designated in advance and has been granted authority to make decisions will be authorized.

This bill requires the hospital to permit this decision-making individual no less than one in-person visit for each day the patient has been hospitalized.

This access to the hospitalized patient allows for an attorney or trusted individual who’s been granted decision-making authority to have the opportunity to evaluate, ask questions, advocate for, and make the best decisions for the patient in a time when the patient may be unable to do so for themselves.

The hospital, Governor, a designee of the Governor, nor any entity acting on behalf of the state is permitted to terminate, suspend, waive, or otherwise limit the visitation outlined in this bill.

The hospital is authorized under this bill to require the visitor to submit to non-invasive health and safety protocols to enter the hospital at the time of visit. This bill does exclude state-run hospitals for the treatment of mental illness or other mental conditions.