Senate Bill No. 2145 Summary

• Creates chapter 50-10.3 of North Dakota Century Code establishing protocols for essential caregivers (individuals designated by residents or their decision-makers) to access long-term care facilities during normal operations and disaster declarations.

• Requires the Department of Human Services and State Department of Health to jointly establish and review protocols every 30 days if access restrictions are imposed, with protocols including safety measures such as disease testing, travel restrictions, and personal protective equipment requirements.

• Allows long-term care facilities to impose additional safety requirements on essential caregivers and may require caregivers to provide or pay for personal protective equipment and related training.

• Provides civil liability protection for long-term care facilities, employees, and contractors implementing the chapter in good faith, except for acts constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

• Prohibits arranging or promoting care for unaccompanied undocumented children in any facility unless the facility is licensed or approved by the Department of Human Services.