Gov. Bill Lee signs hospital visitation rights bill into law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law SB1641, a bill that provides visitation rights for hospital patients.
State lawmakers in favor of the legislation said it serves as a precautionary measure following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“I’m sure many of you can remember during COVID, and several other epidemics that we’ve had, we’ve had family members in Tennessee that have had to make decisions behind a pane of glass,” said State Rep. Kip Capley (R-Summertown) who sponsored the House version of the bill. “What we’re saying in this legislation is that stops. We’re not going to do that anymore.”
Under the new law, someone’s medical power of attorney has the right to visit that patient in the hospital at least once a day for at least an hour. It also makes clear that a patient has the right to refuse that person’s visit.
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Capley said Tennesseans should have the right to care and advocate for their loved ones while in the hospital, even if there’s a public health emergency.
“We’re going to stand for Tennessee families,” Capley said. “The hospital has to make a reasonable effort during normal visitation hours for you to be able to see your loved one to make medical decisions for you while you’re in the hospital setting.”
Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom
News 2 reached out to several area hospitals for comment, but have not yet heard back.
The new law will take effect on July 1, 2024.
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