This bill was introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Claudia Tenney in the House of Representatives on December 16, 2025. This bill would prevent a repeat of the prolonged isolation and lack of care that long-term care residents suffered from during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would ensure that in any future emergency, at least one designated essential caregiver is able to access their loved ones in a manner consistent with all applicable health and safety protocols. The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to set clear and fair guidelines for essential caregivers to enter facilities during an emergency that protect the safety of facility staff and residents.
