§ 40:1300.55 — Designation of an essential caregiver; circumstances for visitation

Louisiana § 40:1300.55

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 40: Public Health and Safety

Text

§1300.55. Designation of an essential caregiver; circumstances for visitation
A.(1) Any facility identified in R.S. 40:1300.53 shall allow in-person visitation by
a designated essential caregiver daily in addition to any other visitation provisions authorized
by the facility. However, the provisions of this Section shall not apply to licensed forensic
psychiatric hospitals.
(2) In accordance with this Section, a resident, client, or patient of any facility
identified in R.S. 40:1300.53 may designate at least one visitor who is a family member,
friend, guardian, or other individual as a designated essential caregiver.
(3) The designated essential caregiver shall not be required to provide advance notice
of the intent to visit the patient. The visits of the designated essential caregiver as provided
in this Section shall not be constrained for any reason other than medical necessity, which
shall include medical procedures and emergencies.
(4) The designated essential caregiver shall not be required to provide necessary care
to a resident, client, or patient of a facility. A facility providing such care shall not require
a designated essential caregiver to provide such care.
B. The visitation provisions of this Section may allow in-person visitation unless
otherwise restricted by law or by order of the court.
C. The visitation policies and procedures of any facility identified in R.S. 40:1300.53
shall require a designated essential caregiver to agree in writing to follow such policies and
procedures. A facility may suspend in-person visitation for a designated essential caregiver
if the designated essential caregiver violates the facility's visitation policies and procedures.
D. Access to a religious or spiritual support person shall be included in addition to
the designated essential caregiver and in accordance with R.S. 40:2005.1.

Legislative History

Acts 2023, No. 367, §1; Acts 2024, No. 666, §1.