SB 730 – No Patient Left Alone Act
Primary Sponsors: Sen. Warren Daniel (R-Avery), Sen. Jim Perry (R-Wayne), Sen. Joyce Krawiec (R-Forsyth)
Summary
Current Version
This bill states that a hospital shall allow a support person of the patient’s choice to be present during the patient’s stay, unless the individual’s presence infringes on others’ rights or safety or is medically contraindicated.
A hospital must have written policies and procedures regarding the visitation rights of patients, including those that may need a reasonable restriction.
A hospital must inform each patient or support person of their visitation rights.
This bill appropriates $10 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the UNC Policy Collaboratory for statewide testing, tracking, and tracing.
Senate Version
This bill provides visitation rights that will not be impacted during declared disasters and public health emergencies. The bill states that a hospital will provide the opportunity for at least one visitor per patient. The visitation would be subject to the guidelines, conditions, and limitations of the normal visitation policy.
Minors would be allowed one parent/guardian to be allowed to visit and be present while the minor patient is receiving hospital care. The bill clarifies that if there is a custody agreement it will control.
The hospital may require a visitor to submit health screenings to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The hospital may require visitors to submit health screenings necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
History
Filed – 5.13.2020
Favorable – Senate Health Committee – 6.11.2020
Favorable – Senate Appropriations – 6.17.2020
Favorable – Senate Rules Committee – 6.18.2020
This bill passed in the Senate on June 19, 2020
Proposed Committee Substitute passed the House Rules Committee on June 24, 2020
This bill passed the House on second reading on June 24, 2020. There was an objection to third reading.
An amendment passed to add an additional $100 million in funding to provide grants for businesses that closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thes Senate voted not to concur with the House changes on June 25, 2020.