H351 - Clifford's Law Summary

• Directs the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to establish visitation protocols for nursing homes, combination homes, and adult care homes during declared disasters or emergencies that suspend or curtail normal visitation policies.

• Guarantees each resident the right to designate one preapproved visitor and one preapproved alternate visitor who must be allowed to visit at least twice per month during any suspension or curtailment of normal visitation policies.

• Requires facilities to provide written notification to residents prior to admission explaining the visitation protocols established under this law.

• Mandates visitation protocols remain subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services directives and to facility guidelines, conditions, and limitations established as part of normal visitation policy.

• Requires implementation of visitation protocols by June 15, 2022, with the Secretary submitting a summary report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services at least 30 days prior to implementation.