(From Sen. Bill White, R-Joplin)State Sen. Bill White, R-Joplin, has pre-filed legislation to provide another layer of protection for some of Missouri’s most vulnerable, the elderly and disabled.
Besides adding a negligence provision to our state’s current elder and disabled abuse laws, Senate Bill 671 establishes the “Essential Caregiver Program Act” to allow residents in certain care facilities to designate at least two caregivers who may visit and have physical contact with them during governor-declared states of emergency.
The proposal also limits the length of time in-person visitations may be suspended.
“Families with a loved one in residential care facilities were devastated by forced separation during the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Sen. White.
“Families with a loved one in residential care facilities were devastated by forced separation during the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Sen. White.
“This proposal will protect residents from neglect, while ensuring they remain in close, regular contact with a designated caregiver during declared emergency situations.”
1 comment:
A little late for many residents & their families. My mother spent the last year of her life unable to have any meaningful contact with her family. She passed away alone, and not from COVID. Her family should have been able to be there for her. We only have the word from the nursing home staff that she passed away in her sleep.
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