Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation into law April 18 that prohibits healthcare facilities in the state from restricting in-person visitation to patients.
SB 113 allows patients to designate one person as an essential caregiver who is permitted to visit for at least two hours daily. The new law also bars hospitals from requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination or prohibit consensual physical contact between visits and patients.
In addition, healthcare facilities must allow visitation during certain situations, such as those involving pediatric patients or patients at the end of life.
"The ability to visit a cherished loved one, whether in a hospital or nursing home, should be a fundamental right. However, all over the country during the pandemic, many family members, caregivers and even clergy were denied access to visit and provide emotional support to patients in healthcare facilities. Such restrictions defy the norms of a caring society, and I was pleased to sign this legislation to signal that in Alabama, we support our patients having this fundamental right," Gov. Ivey said in a statement to NBC affiliate WSFA.