Image: House Bill Sponsor Rep. Kip Capley explains HB1883 in the House Health Committee. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A Tennessee bill that would protect the visitation rights of hospital patients passed the Health Committee yesterday in a voice vote and will now head to the House floor for a final vote.
Of the twenty-seven members in the committee, only two asked the Clerk to be recorded as having voted no – Democrats Aftyn Behn and John Ray Clemmons.
House Bill 1883 (HB1883) is sponsored by Representative Kip Capley (R-Summertown-District 71) and prevents hospitals within the state from restricting the visitation of patients by individuals with power of attorney.
Those “designated to make healthcare decisions under a durable power of attorney for health care” would be guaranteed at least one in-person visit lasting, at minimum, one hour with the patient for every day that they remain hospitalized. These visits are to be permitted even during a declared disaster or state of emergency. However, the hospital will be permitted to require those holding the power of attorney to comply with “non-invasive health and safety protocols.”
Senator Mark Pody’s companion Senate Bill 1641 (SB1641) passed the Senate in a 29 to 3 vote last month.
A vote on HB1883 is scheduled to take place on the House floor on Thursday, March 21st, 2024.To voice your support or opposition to this legislation as summarized above, use the Find My Legislator tool and contact your district’s representative prior to the House vote.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative.
You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
