Bill > HB309

This bill, known as the "No Patient Left Alone Act," establishes the right for minor and adult patients in Mississippi health care facilities to have a designated visitor present during their care. Specifically, minor patients have the right to have a parent, guardian, or person acting in their place present, while adult patients can designate a spouse, family member, or caregiver. Health care facilities can implement visitation policies that restrict visitors only under specific circumstances, such as when it's medically contraindicated, interferes with patient care, visitors are disruptive, or they fail to comply with facility policies. Facilities can also require visitors to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols, with the right to revoke visitation for non-compliance. However, these visitation rights cannot be terminated or waived by the facility, the State Department of Health, or any government entity, even during declared emergencies, and facilities cannot require patients to waive these rights. The bill outlines limitations, such as not requiring visitors in operating rooms or during emergency care, and mandates that health care facilities post information about these rights developed by the State Department of Health, which can fine facilities up to $10,000 per day for violations. The bill also includes provisions that protect health care facilities from liability for visitor actions and clarifies that it does not apply if compliance would violate state or federal regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0309.xml