H.R.1358 - No Patient Left Alone Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1358, the "No Patient Left Alone Act of 2025," aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to codify patients' rights to hospital visitation. The bill mandates that hospitals receiving federal funding establish written policies ensuring visitation rights, subject to reasonable clinical restrictions. It prohibits discrimination in visitation based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.
Expected Effects
The bill would ensure that patients in hospitals have the right to receive visitors, including family and friends, unless clinically contraindicated. This could lead to improved patient well-being and support during hospital stays. It also formalizes these rights into law, providing a legal basis for patients and their families to advocate for visitation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Patient Well-being: Allowing visitation can improve patient morale and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Family Support: Families can provide emotional and practical support to patients during their recovery.
- Non-Discrimination: The bill explicitly prohibits discrimination in visitation, ensuring equal access for all.
- Legal Protection: Codifying visitation rights provides a legal recourse if these rights are violated.
- Informed Consent: Patients are to be informed of their visitation rights and can designate visitors.
Potential Disadvantages
- Administrative Burden: Hospitals may face increased administrative burden in developing and implementing visitation policies.
- Potential for Disruption: Unrestricted visitation could potentially disrupt hospital operations or compromise patient care in some cases.
- Enforcement Challenges: Ensuring compliance with the law and addressing violations could be challenging.
- Litigation Risks: The bill could lead to increased litigation if patients or families feel their visitation rights have been violated.
- Unintended Consequences: The broad language could lead to unintended interpretations or loopholes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of individual liberty and equal protection under the law, although it doesn't directly invoke specific constitutional clauses. It could be argued that restricting visitation without due cause infringes upon the individual's right to association and potentially equal protection if applied discriminatorily. The bill aims to prevent such infringements by codifying visitation rights and prohibiting discrimination.
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).