Georgia House Passes Bill Allowing For Limited Hospital Visits During Pandemic
House Speaker David Ralston spoke in favor of House Bill 290, which allows for limited visitation at hospitals during a public health emergency.
Emil Moffatt / WABE
A measure that would allow for limited next-of-kin access at hospitals and long-term care facilities, even during a public health emergency, has passed the Georgia House.
The measure’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Ed Setzler, says the bill restricts the visitation to one hour per day with health guidelines set up by the facility.
“It’s not about visitors; it’s about patients’ rights. It gives the patient the right to have their next of kin at their bedside to help them make critical decisions in the delivery of care,” said Setzler.
House Speaker David Ralston capped more than two hours of debate on the measure, recounting several stories of people not being able to be with loved ones in their final moments.
“Send a message to the people whose pleas and hurt and heartbreak we’re trying to touch in some way,” said Ralston.
Opponents of the bill say allowing outsiders into a medical facility during a pandemic would put patients, residents and staff at risk.
“Why exasperate the situation hospitals find themselves in by forcing nurses to not only care for patients but to also monitor visitors and now their length of stay?” asked Democratic Rep. Debra Bazemore.
The vote was 113-57 in favor of the bill. It now moves on to the Georgia Senate.
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