summary
Introduced
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Create The Health Care Facility Right To Visit Act To Prevent All Health Care Facilities That Are Licensed By Or Have Received A Certificate Of Need From The Department Of Health From Instituting Any Policy That Limits Patients' Abilities To Be Visited By Designated Family Members Or Friends During Any Hospitalization Or Treatment; To Allow The Facilities To Impose Reasonable Safety Requirements; To Provide That No Facility Shall Be Held Liable For Damages In An Action Involving A Liability Claim Against Such Facility Arising From The Facility's Compliance With The Act; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Health Care Facility Right to Visit Act, mandates that all healthcare facilities licensed by or holding a Certificate of Need (a permit required for certain healthcare services) from the State Department of Health must allow patients to be visited by designated family members or friends during hospitalizations or treatments lasting over 24 hours, even during public health emergencies. While facilities can implement reasonable safety measures, they must permit at least two designated visitors for a minimum of two hours daily. Furthermore, these facilities are protected from liability for damages arising from their adherence to these visitation rights, in addition to any existing legal immunities.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0847.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/0800-0899/HB0847IN.htm |
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