HB 252 - No Patient Left Alone Act

• Emergency medical services providers must allow patients to have a support person of their choice present during treatment, with no requirement that the person be a legal surrogate.

• Emergency medical services providers must establish written policies and procedures describing patients' right to have a support person present, including any clinically necessary restrictions and their reasons.

• Hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living homes, and hospice providers must allow patients to have a support person of their choice present during their stay under the same requirements as emergency medical services.

• Patients' right to a support person cannot be withheld based on state or federal disaster declarations.

• Support persons are entitled to full and equal visitation privileges consistent with patient preferences and facility policies.