State Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, ushered a bill through committee that will protect the rights of long-term care residents, allowing them visits by friends and family members and care by outside health care providers.

House Bill 2566 ensures visitation and health care serves contracted through the long-term care facilities are provided in a safe manner in accordance with State Department of Health and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Guidelines.

“During COVID, so many adults in our long-term care facilities went for extended periods without being allowed visitors or care from outside health practitioners,” Caldwell said. “Some are still being denied this opportunity. This is not good for either their health or mental health. This bill balances the rights of the residents and their family members while also providing protections and control of protocol for these facilities.”

Caldwell said currently the Department of Health and CMS have said it is OK for visits to occur but there are cases where long-term care facilities still are blocking such actions.

This bill will remedy those situations. If the Department of Health or CMS should determine such visits are unsafe, they would be suspended.