Essential Caregivers Act of 2025
Senate Bill Would Guarantee Nursing Home Residents Access to Essential Caregivers Even During Lockdowns
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- If a nursing home or similar facility blocks visitors during an emergency, residents can still name an “essential caregiver” who must be allowed in.
- Facilities must let at least 1 essential caregiver visit every day, at any time, as long as the caregiver follows the same safety rules staff follow.
- A facility can block that caregiver for up to 7 days (or 14 with state approval), but it must still allow access for end-of-life care or serious decline.
- If the facility says the caregiver broke the rules, it must warn them in writing first, explain what to fix, and give a written reason within 24 hours if access is denied.
- Residents and caregivers get an appeal process through the state; the state must start looking within 2 business days and can force access and fine facilities up to $5,000.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesCongress targets nursing home lockdowns, requiring 24/7 access for 1 “essential caregiver”
Bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress would require nursing homes to allow at least one 'essential caregiver' to visit residents daily, even during emergency lockdowns. The bill aims to prevent the severe isolation experienced by seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic Lessons: “Essential Caregivers Act” Can’t Wait. A Merciful, Bipartisan Bill for a Voiceless Population
Aging expert Herb Weiss discusses the reintroduction of the Essential Caregivers Act, highlighting its role in protecting the rights of long-term care residents to have in-person access to loved ones during public health emergencies to prevent physical and cognitive decline.
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Protect Nursing Home Residents from Isolation
A summary of the Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 (S. 3492/H.R. 6766), which mandates that facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid must allow designated caregivers access during emergencies, provided they follow safety protocols similar to those required for staff.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Essential Caregivers Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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