CT HB06634

Residents of long-term care facilities may designate a primary essential support person and secondary essential support person who can visit despite general visitation restrictions, provided they comply with health and safety rules set by the Commissioner of Public Health.

Essential support includes assistance with activities of daily living and physical, emotional, psychological, and socialization support as outlined in the resident's person-centered plan of care.

The Commissioner of Public Health must establish a state-wide visitation policy applicable to all long-term care facilities that allows outdoor visitation, virtual visitation, and indoor visitation regardless of end-of-life status, while incorporating residents' essential support needs.

During a public health emergency declared by the Governor, the Commissioner may set visitation requirements that must still permit essential support persons to visit while complying with applicable federal requirements and safety protocols.

The State Ombudsman's duties are expanded to include services designed to address the impact of socialization, visitation, and the role of essential support persons on residents' health, safety, and well-being.