Essential Caregivers Act of 2026 requires nursing facilities to permit visits from essential caregivers during periods of restricted visitation.
The Essential Caregivers Act of 2026 amends titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to mandate that nursing facilities, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals allow essential caregivers to visit residents during periods when regular visitation is suspended. The bill defines an essential caregiver as an individual who agrees to follow safety and infection control protocols. Facilities can deny or limit access if caregivers do not follow protocols or show symptoms of infectious diseases.
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- Overview
- Core Provisions
- Implementation
- Impact
- Legal Framework
- Critical Issues
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