Randy Susen Visitation Rights Act of 2025
Summary
The Randy Susen Visitation Rights Act of 2025 aims to amend Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act. The bill focuses on granting residents of skilled nursing facilities the right to designate an individual who can visit them without restriction under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This legislation seeks to ensure that residents have immediate access to a designated visitor, subject only to the resident's right to deny or withdraw consent.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to mandate that skilled nursing facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs allow unrestricted visitation by a resident-designated individual. This could lead to increased oversight and support for residents, potentially improving their quality of life. It may also require facilities to adjust their visitation policies and procedures.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures residents in skilled nursing facilities can receive visits from a designated individual without undue restrictions.
- Empowers residents by giving them control over who can visit them.
- May improve the well-being and quality of life for residents by reducing social isolation.
- Provides an additional layer of oversight and advocacy for residents.
- Could lead to better communication between facilities and residents' families or designated representatives.
Potential Disadvantages
- May create additional administrative burdens for skilled nursing facilities.
- Could potentially strain facility resources if visitation increases significantly.
- Might raise concerns about infection control or safety if not properly managed.
- Could lead to conflicts between the designated visitor and facility staff if expectations are not clearly defined.
- Potential for increased liability for facilities if visitor-related incidents occur.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general principles of individual liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as it seeks to enhance the rights and well-being of individuals in skilled nursing facilities. While the Constitution does not explicitly address visitation rights, the spirit of ensuring the general welfare of citizens, as stated in the Preamble, supports such measures. The federal government's authority to regulate healthcare through Medicare and Medicaid, as established through legislation enacted under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), provides a constitutional basis for this bill.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).