HB1509 Summary

• Expands the definition of "healthcare facility" to include outpatient facilities, making them subject to the No Patient Left Alone Act visitation requirements.

• Requires outpatient facilities to allow patients with disabilities to designate at least three support persons and permit at least one support person to be present at all times when necessary to facilitate patient care.

• Grants all patients (children and adults) the right to have designated support persons physically present during care at outpatient facilities and prohibits facilities from requiring patients to waive these visitation rights.

• Authorizes support persons to stay overnight with patients and allows them to leave and return to the facility without restriction.

• Establishes civil penalties of at least $500 per day for each violation, enforced through the Department of Health or Department of Human Services, with penalties deposited into the Health Facility Services Revolving Fund or Long-Term Care Trust Fund.