S.F. No. 3263 - William Shegstad Healthcare Advocates Act

• Establishes a right for patients to have a patient advocate (immediate family member, authorized representative, or power of attorney) present 24 hours per day during treatment in clinics or hospitals, except outpatient surgical centers.

• Prohibits denying patient advocates access based on vaccination status and requires at least one daily visit for advocates of patients in behavioral health settings; does not apply to operating rooms, isolation areas, or emergency care.

• Requires health care providers to comply with Americans with Disability Act provisions and ensure patients who are confused or hard of hearing can view provider's mouth when wearing protective equipment.

• Establishes patient right to try alternative early treatments and off-label medications with health care provider recommendations, regardless of FDA approval status or vaccination/economic status; prohibits Medicare/Medicaid-receiving facilities from denying care based on vaccination status.

• Imposes civil penalties on health care facilities that implement vaccination status mandates creating staff shortages or that terminate/segregate employees or patients based on vaccination status; specifies penalty amounts to be determined.