Hatchett celebrates passage of hospital visitation rights bill

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a difficult question for hospitals and healthcare facilities: What is the best way to serve patients, protect providers and mitigate the spread of infectious disease? 

At the height of the pandemic this problem created a nightmare scenario for many families with their loved-ones unable to receive visitors in their time of illness. Many patients even faced death, with relatives unable to say their final goodbyes.

After his own experience, state Rep. Matt Hatchett worked this year at the state Capitol to ensure visitation rights for patients at hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities. Hatchett sponsored HB 663, the “No Patient Left Alone Act.” The bill was approved by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Brian Kemp this week. 

“I personally experienced this when my mother was in the hospital with COVID and she died,” he said. “This will make it where you can be with your loved one. It will prevent what happened during COVID.” 

The bill allows for a designated care giver to have 24-hour access to a patient in a medical facility. Hospitals are still allowed to have designated visiting hours and limitations on general visitation. Caregivers must also follow hospital guidelines and rules, including use of PPE or other protective measures if necessary. The bill does not give visitors access to operating rooms or other areas when it may interfere with care or procedures. 

Hatchett said he worked with local couple Michael and Penny Snipes on the bill. Michael had a severe case of COVID; however, Penny was able to visit him during his hospitalization. Hatchett said she wanted to make sure other people had the same right. 

“I worked with Penny, and I worked the hospital association,” Hatchett said. “It’s a huge improvement. This bill is for everybody.”

New laws signed by the governor go into effect July 1.