§ 20-6-405 — Hospital or office of healthcare professional visitation

(a) (1) A child has the right to have a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis physically present with the child while the child receives care in a hospital or an office of a healthcare professional. (2) An adult patient has the right to have a spouse, support person, or legal guardian physically present with the adult patient while the adult receives care in a hospital or an office of a healthcare professional. (3) A person with a right to be physically present under subdivisions (a)(1) and (2) of this section may leave and return to the hospital or office of a healthcare professional that is caring for the patient. (b) A hospital or an office of a healthcare professional shall not: (1) Require a patient to waive the rights specified in subdivisions (a)(1) and (2) of this section; (2) Prevent a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis of a child receiving care in a hospital or an office of a healthcare professional from having daily physical access to the child at reasonable times; or (3) Separate the parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis of a child receiving care in a hospital or an office of a healthcare professional from the child except in cases of suspected abuse or threats of violence or to prevent disruption to the care of the child. (c) A hospital or an office of a healthcare professional may restrict access of any person to a patient: (1) At the request of the patient or a law enforcement agency; (2) Due to a court order; (3) To prevent disruption to the care of the patient; (4) (A) If the person has signs and symptoms of a transmissible infection. (B) However, the hospital or office of a healthcare professional shall allow access through telephone, telecommunication means, or other means that ensure the protection of the patient. (C) The person shall follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette as well as other infection prevention and control practices such as appropriate hand hygiene; (5) If the person is determined to be a danger to the patient or to be contrary to the welfare of the patient; or (6) According to visitation policies established under § 20-6-411 .

Legislative History

Added by Act 2021, No. 311,§ 1, eff. 3/10/2021.