Bill > S3492

This bill, titled the "Essential Caregivers Act of 2025," aims to ensure that residents in skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities have continued access to designated "essential caregivers" even when regular visitation is restricted, such as during emergencies like a pandemic. An essential caregiver is defined as an individual designated by or on behalf of a resident who agrees to follow the facility's safety protocols, which cannot be more restrictive than those for staff. The bill outlines procedures for designating essential caregivers, including provisions for residents unable to make the designation themselves, and establishes that facilities must allow at least one essential caregiver daily access, with limited exceptions for temporary denial of access (up to 7 or 14 days with state approval) unless the resident is in end-of-life care or distress. It also mandates a process for residents and caregivers to appeal denied access, places the burden of proof on the facility to demonstrate non-compliance with the agreement, and allows for civil monetary penalties against facilities that violate these provisions. The bill amends Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act, which govern Medicare and Medicaid, respectively, and will take effect two years after enactment.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3492/all-info