WI SB417

Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals must allow at least one "essential visitor" (designated by the resident/patient or their guardian/healthcare power of attorney) during communicable disease outbreaks for compassionate care situations including end-of-life, grieving, or difficult adjustment to new admission

Clergy members must be permitted to visit residents and patients for prayer and spiritual support during outbreaks, particularly for end-of-life situations or when patients request spiritual support

Facilities may deny visitation if the visitor refuses to comply with health and safety policies, if contagion risk cannot be adequately prevented, if the resident/patient declines the visit, or if the patient is in law enforcement custody

Facilities may follow more restrictive federal CDC or CMS guidance instead of state requirements when such guidance is issued

Health care professionals, facilities, and their employees are granted immunity from civil and criminal liability for acts or omissions while allowing visitation under these provisions, and individuals may file complaints with the department for facility noncompliance