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Legislation aimed at strengthening patient visitation rights at hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities has just one more committee to clear before reaching the Florida Senate floor.
The bill, dubbed the “No Patient Left Alone Act,” advanced through its penultimate committee with unanimous support. It would require health care providers to allow visitors in end-of-life situations and when patients are emotionally distressed. Facilities violating the act would face fines of at least $500 per offense.
“We want to make sure that everyone keeps their civil liberties regardless of circumstances,” said the bill’s sponsor, Miami Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia.
– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics