H.F. No. 3271 - William Shegstad Healthcare Advocates Act

• Establishes patient right to have an advocate (immediate family member, authorized representative, or power of attorney) present 24 hours per day during treatment in clinics and hospitals, with exceptions for operating rooms, isolation areas, behavioral health settings, and emergency care.

• Requires health care providers to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act provisions and ensure patients who are confused or hard of hearing can view providers' mouths when protective equipment is worn.

• Grants patients the right to try alternative early treatment and off-label medications with health care provider recommendations, regardless of FDA approval status, vaccination status, economic status, or political affiliations.

• Prohibits health care facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid from denying treatment based on vaccination status and forbids staff vaccination mandates that create staffing shortages interfering with patient care.

• Imposes civil penalties on health care facilities that terminate employees or segregate employees or patients based on vaccination status, including through badge clips, weekly testing, or differential PPE requirements.