Bill > H0489

This bill amends existing law to allow for the designation of essential caregivers for in-person visitation. Key provisions include: 1. Expanding the definition of "essential caregiver" to include a patient or resident's spouse, adult child, parent, guardian, conservator, health care agent, or surrogate decision-maker, and any other person designated by the patient, resident, or surrogate decision-maker. 2. Requiring facilities to notify patients, residents, or their surrogate decision-makers of the right to designate essential caregivers and provide them an opportunity to do so, even when overall visitation may be restricted. 3. Allowing facilities to place reasonable restrictions on essential caregiver visitation, but specifying that such restrictions must not interfere with the patient or resident's general right to visitation by essential caregivers. 4. Declaring an emergency and providing an effective date of July 1, 2024. The bill aims to protect the constitutionally-protected liberty interest of Idaho families in companionship and society, and to prevent the harmful effects of involuntary isolation for patients and residents in healthcare or assistance facilities.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/H0489/