Bill > HB139

This bill, known as the "Compassionate Care Visitation Act" or "No Patient Left Alone Act", establishes comprehensive guidelines for visitation rights in health care facilities (including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and hospice facilities). The bill requires facilities to allow at least two compassionate care visitors (friends or family members) to have in-person contact with patients or residents for at least six hours daily, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Visitors can provide various types of support, such as end-of-life care assistance, emotional support, communication help, and physical assistance. Health care facilities may place some limitations on visitation, such as restricting the number of visitors based on space, limiting access to certain areas, or preventing visits in specific circumstances (like when a visitor shows signs of infection or could disrupt patient care). The bill mandates that facilities develop informational materials about visitation rights and provides a mechanism for reporting violations. Importantly, facilities that violate these provisions can be fined $1,000 per day, with the state's attorney general empowered to pursue civil action. The bill also includes protections for health care facilities from liability when complying with these visitation guidelines, ensuring patients' rights to compassionate care and support during their medical treatment.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB139&year=2025&code=R