Bill > S0146

This bill amends South Carolina law to provide additional visitation rights for residents of long-term care facilities during states of emergency. Specifically, the bill allows residents or their representatives to designate up to three people who can visit the resident if facility access is limited or prohibited due to a declared state of emergency, such as a disaster or public health emergency. Only one designated visitor will be permitted at a time during regular visiting hours, and the resident or representative must provide the facility with each visitor's name, relationship, and contact information. Residents or their representatives can update their list of designated visitors twice per calendar year or when a designated visitor becomes permanently unable to visit. This provision aims to ensure that residents maintain critical social connections and support during challenging emergency situations that might otherwise completely restrict facility access, while still maintaining reasonable safety protocols by limiting visits to one person at a time.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=146&session=126&summary=B