NC H447

Requires all hospitals licensed in North Carolina to allow clergy members to visit patients who request or consent to such visits, including during declared disasters or emergencies.

Permits hospitals to require visiting clergy members to undergo health screenings to prevent infectious disease spread and to restrict clergy who fail screenings or test positive for infectious diseases.

Allows hospitals to require clergy visitors to follow infection control procedures, including wearing personal protective equipment, provided these procedures do not interfere with the religious beliefs of the patient or clergy member.

Effective date of October 1, 2021.