MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Yesterday afternoon, April 18, Gov. Kay Ivey signed Alabama Senate Bill 113 into law which will lessen some of the stricter guidelines pertaining to patient visitation throughout the state.
Senate Bill 113 will call for a host of new rules in regards to patient visitation, including allowing an essential caregiver a minimum of two hours per day at a healthcare facility, individuals seeing whomever they choose during facility visitation hours, and prohibiting healthcare facilities from requiring proof of vaccination for entry, among other changes.
“The ability to visit a cherished loved one, whether in a hospital or nursing home, should be a fundamental right,” said Gov. Ivey in a statement. “However, all over the country during the pandemic, many family members, caregivers and even clergy were denied access to visit and provide emotional support to patients in healthcare facilities.”
Gov. Ivey added, “Such restrictions defy the norms of a caring society, and I was pleased to sign this legislation to signal that in Alabama, we support our patients having this fundamental right.”