Kentucky governor signs essential caregiver measure related to long-term care facilities

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has signed a pandemic-related bill allowing designated family and friends to visit residents of long-term care facilities.

The measure won strong bipartisan support as it moved through the legislature.

The bill's goal is to prevent long-term care residents from feeling isolated from their families as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The bill maintains designated in-person visits in those facilities.

Under the bill, long-term care residents can designate at least one “essential personal care visitor” to make in-person visits. Visitors could include relatives, legal guardians, friends, caregivers or volunteers. Visitors would have to follow safety protocols of the community or facility.

The bill also applies to assisted living communities and mental health hospitals.

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During debate on the bill, Sen. Julie Raque Adams said: “Patient care is not just about medical care. As we all know, it’s about considering the holistic needs of the individual -- their mental, emotional and spiritual needs.” Adams was the measure's lead sponsor.

Sen. John Schickel called it one of the most important bills that lawmakers will take up this year.

“The people in our long-term care facilities and nursing homes the last year have suffered immensely,” he said during a debate.

The governor signed the measure Monday.