SB307 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Garlan GudgerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Will BarfootChris ElliottSam GivhanAndrew JonesRandy PriceGreg J. ReedDan RobertsJ.T. Waggoner

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

SB307 would require health care facilities to allow at least one caregiver or visitor for patients and residents during a declared public health emergency, with reasonable safety rules, and would shield compliant facilities from civil liability.

What This Bill Does

During a state public health emergency, health care facilities must allow visitation for patients in line with federal CMS/CDC rules or applicable public health orders. Visitors, including caregivers or visitor advocates, may be subject to reasonable safety restrictions to protect health and safety. Facilities must inform patients of their visitation rights and may not deny or restrict visitation based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Facilities acting in good faith under this act would have civil immunity from liability.

Who It Affects

• Patients and residents in hospitals or long-term care facilities (and their families/visitors): gain protected visitation rights during public health emergencies and must be informed of any limitations.
• Health care facilities and their staff: must implement the visitation rules, apply safety protocols, and may receive civil immunity for actions taken in good faith under the act.

Key Provisions

• During a declared state public health emergency, facilities must allow patient visitation consistent with applicable federal laws/regulations (CMS/CDC) or public health orders.
• Caregivers or visitation advocates may visit but are subject to reasonable safety restrictions related to infection risk and facility safety protocols.
• Facilities must inform patients of their visitation rights and cannot restrict visitation on protected characteristics (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability).
• The act does not expand or modify CMS visitation guidelines beyond existing federal rules.
• Facilities acting in good faith compliance with the act are immune from civil liability for actions taken under the act.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health