Pennsylvania Senate passes bill that would allow limited nursing home visitation

Oct. 21--With visitation restrictions in place at long-term care facilities to protect residents from exposure to the coronavirus, state Sen. Bob Mensch said he has heard from concerned constituents who have been barred from visiting loved ones for months.

That was the reason he crafted a bill to address the issue.

And on Tuesday, the state Senate passed the measure that would ease restrictions at long-term facilities by allowing those living there to designate an essential family caregiver to visit during the pandemic. The bill passed in a 33-16 vote, with Berks County Sens. David Argall and Judy Schwank joining Mensch in supporting the legislation while Sen. Katie Muth voted against.

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

Mensch, a Montgomery County lawmaker who represents portions of Berks County, said in a press release that he was pleased his colleagues recognized a need for the legislation.

Under the legislation, an essential family caregiver would be an individual who was regularly engaged with the resident at least once a week before the pandemic. This individual would be designated by the facility in consultation with the resident and their family. They would have to comply with the facility's safety guidelines and would be permitted to visit and provide care for their loved ones.

Mensch said the bill mirrors a successful policy enacted in the state of Indiana that allows family members to assist in the care of loved ones while also providing visitation for high-risk residents.

"A schedule and set amount of time in the facility is to be established and agreed to and may not exceed more than two hours a day, so that schedules can be staggered as to not completely flood the facility with outside visitors," Mensch said. "This bill represents the best effort to allow families to see their loved ones, while still allowing facilities the flexibility to manage any potential outbreaks.

"Simply, we are trying to give facilities and families a clear picture of when and how they can visit or care for their loved ones. Families have been waiting for eight months to see their loved one."

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