H.R.9641

Essential Caregivers Act of 2026

Introduced·7/13/26

Essential Caregivers Act of 2026 requires certain healthcare facilities to allow essential caregiver visits during visitation suspensions.

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 permit visits from essential caregivers during periods when regular visitation is suspended. Essential caregivers are defined as individuals who follow facility safety protocols. The bill also allows facilities to limit or deny access to caregivers who display symptoms of infectious diseases until they test negative.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

1
2
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jul 15

10:00 AM

House Committee on Ways and Means Hearing

History

Jul 15

House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jul 15

House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 0.

Jul 13

House

Introduced in House