Bill promises patients hospital visits despite COVID-19

Senators heard painful stories Tuesday from people whose loved ones suffered alone because of visitor restrictions hospitals put in place to lower the transmission of COVID-19.

In some cases, people said their loved ones got worse care because no one was there to ask questions or advocate for them.

Senate Bill 730, the "No Patient Left Alone Act," would guarantee patients the ability to designate one visitor with "the unrestricted privilege of being present" while the patient is in a hospital's care.

Sen. Warren Daniel, R-Burke, noted that a a 49-year-old man spent the last month of his life in two hospitals and that his wife was allowed only one visit at the beginning of his hospitalization.

"He died without her. She couldn’t be with him in his final moments. She couldn’t hold his hand and say good-bye," Daniel said.

Bill supporters said they understand hospitals want to limit foot traffic due to COVID-19 and that they're working with the state hospital association's lobbyist on details. The Senate Health Care committee plans to hear a presentation from the association Thursday morning, then vote on the bill.

Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, called on hospitals to make the bill unnecessary.

"Hospitals need to reopen to visitors now," Hise said. "End this overreaction."