Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends state hospital visitation policies.

Highlights:

• Defines this act as the “No Patient Left Alone Act” (Sec. 1).

• Established during a state of emergency no hospital in the State of Delaware shall prohibit in-person visitation with patients receiving care or treatment at the facility, except as provided in this section (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that during an infectious disease outbreak a hospital may do the following (Sec. 1):

• Restrict the number of visitors a person may see per day; 

• Require a visitor to pass a health screening; 

• Wear PPE at all times while visiting the hospital; 

• Deny entry to an individual who fails these actions or tests positive for an infectious disease; and 

• Have an individual sign a statement indicating the visitor has been informed about the hospital's policy. 

• Specifies that visitors may be denied if federal executive order, state agency regulation, federal regulation, or order supersedes it (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that health screening be compliant with hospital regulations (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that doctors shall have the final say on if a person may be allowed to visit a patient due to possible community health risk (Sec. 1).  

• Specifies that a patient may have a religious counselor at their bedside if necessary (Sec. 1). 

• Defines religious counselor (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that restrictions do not apply to Doulas (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes civil penalties if regulations are not followed including but not limited to a fine of not less than $500 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text