Senate panel passes bill that would improve nursing home access

Sep. 21--With visitation restrictions in place at long-term facilities to protect residents from exposure to the coronavirus, state Sen. Bob Mensch said he has heard from constituents that the risk of isolation among this population is growing.

That was the reason he crafted a bill to address the issue.

And on Monday, members of a state Senate panel voted unanimously in support of the measure that would ease restrictions at long-term facilities by allowing those living there to designate an essential family caregiver to visit during the pandemic.

The bill now heads to the Senate floor for full consideration.

Mensch, a Montgomery County lawmaker who represents portions of Berks County, said in a press release Monday afternoon that he was pleased his colleagues recognized a need for the legislation.

"This issue is certainly up there with the most common thing I hear about from constituents," he said. "Families across the commonwealth are fed up with the current COVID-19 restrictions preventing them from visiting their loved ones, even when they can follow all of the health guidelines, and I don't blame them."

Under the legislation, an essential family caregiver would be an individual who was regularly engaged with the resident at least once a week before the pandemic. This individual would be designated by the facility in consultation with the resident and their family. They would have to comply with facility safety guidelines and would be permitted to visit and provide care for their loved ones.

"I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues have given my bill the first stamp of approval," Mensch said. "We continue to work on getting important issues passed and look forward to a productive end of the session for all Pennsylvanians."

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