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US HR6855

US HR6855
Facilitating Virtual Visitation for Nursing Home Residents Act of 2020


summary

Introduced
05/13/2020
In Committee
05/13/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure communications accessibility for residents of skilled nursing facilities during the COVID-19 emergency period. This bill provides statutory authority for certain requirements with respect to the rights of residents in Medicare skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Specifically, the bill requires SNFs to provide residents with reasonable access to a telephone and the internet and to inform residents of such access and of any policy changes regarding external visitors. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must issue guidance to help SNFs ensure that residents have access to televisitation during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

AI Summary

This bill, the Facilitating Virtual Visitation for Nursing Home Residents Act of 2020, amends the Social Security Act to ensure that residents of Medicare-certified skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have reasonable access to telephones, including TTY and TDD services, as well as the internet, during the COVID-19 emergency period. It requires SNFs to inform residents (or their representatives) about this access and any changes to their visitor policies. Additionally, the bill directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance to help SNFs ensure that residents have access to "televisitation" (video calls) during the public health emergency.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (on 05/13/2020)

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