HB 892 – Support the Rights of Caregiver Visitation!
Posted: 4/8/21
Issue:
Relating to the right of certain residents to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation. Support the right of caregiver visitation which includes visits at nursing homes, assisted living, group homes, ICF/IDD placements, and state-supported living centers. Widespread quarantine procedures at these facilities during COVID-19 resulted in many people with disabilities being isolated from their family and friends for months at a time. House Bill 892 would allow residents to designate at least one family member, friend, or other individual selected by the resident for in-person visits with whom the center may not prohibit in-person visitation. The facility would be required to establish guidelines for a visitation schedule, social distancing between the visitor and staff, personal protective equipment to be worn by the visitor, and other related precautions.
Bill:
HB 892 by Representative James Frank
Full bill text can be found here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB892
Companion: SB 25 by Senator Lois Kolkhorst
No action is needed on the Senate bill as SB 25 has passed through the Senate and been referred to Human Services.
Specific Action Needed:
Ask: “People with disabilities should not be isolated from their families and friends for long periods of time. Please support HB 892 and support the rights of caregiver visits for residents of care facilities with at least one family member or friend designated for in-person visits.”
Who to Call/Email:
Ask your own House Representative and the Speaker of the House Dade Phelan to support this bill.
Find your Representative here: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
Contact Speaker of the House Dade Phelan: dade.phelan@house.texas.gov or (512) 463-0706
Please note! You will not be calling your federal Representatives or Senators. (Do not call your U.S. Representative / Congressperson).
Let us know if you were successful or if AST Advocacy staff need to do any follow-ups at 512-479-4199 Ext. 10 or advocacy@texasautismsociety.org.