HB521 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Debbie Wood

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Tracy EstesArnold Mooney

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Health, require health care facilities to allow one caregiver or visitor to patients or residents, subject to reasonable restrictions

Summary

HB521 sets minimum visitation standards for health care facilities during public health emergencies and provides civil immunity for facilities that follow safety rules.

What This Bill Does

If passed, facilities must allow visitors or caregivers during a declared public health emergency, in line with federal rules and any applicable health orders. They may require reasonable safety protocols and impose restrictions based on infection risk or if a visitor shows symptoms or does not follow infection control practices. Patients must be informed of their visitation rights, and restrictions cannot be based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. The bill also ensures certain visits are always allowed (end-of-life, disability support, and pediatric care) and provides liability protection for facilities that follow protocols.

Who It Affects

• Patients and residents in health care facilities who have rights to visitation during emergencies.
• Family members, caregivers, and visitor advocates who may visit patients, subject to safety rules.
• Health care facilities (hospitals, long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, etc.) which must comply with visitation standards and may receive liability protection if they follow protocols.

Key Provisions

• Defines health care facility scope (various hospitals and care facilities) and public health emergency (Governor proclamation or Legislative resolution).
• During a declared emergency, facilities must allow visitation consistent with federal laws/regulations and any public health orders; may require reasonable safety protocols.
• Visitation restrictions are allowed only for reasonable infection-control reasons (e.g., uncontrollable exposure risk, symptomatic visitors, poor infection control), and facilities must inform patients of any restrictions to their rights.
• Visitation may not be denied or restricted based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Certain visits must always be allowed (end-of-life care, disability support, and pediatric care for guardians present).
• Facilities receive civil immunity from damages related to exposure claims if they follow applicable protocols and directives during the emergency.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon approval by the Governor or otherwise becoming law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health