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H.R. 9641119th CongressIn markupLatest action Jul 15, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
The Essential Caregivers Act would let care facility residents keep in-person visits from designated caregivers during lockdowns.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
The bill guarantees nursing home and long-term care residents the right to name up to two "essential caregivers" who can visit in person even during facility-wide visitation shutdowns. Facilities can briefly limit visits for seven days if video calls are offered, and can deny sick or rule-breaking caregivers, but end-of-life patients can never be denied visits.
Affects residents of nursing homes, long-term care hospitals, rehab facilities, and intellectual disability care facilities that take Medicare or Medicaid, plus their families and the facilities' staff.
Facilities would need to update policies, training, and complaint-handling procedures, and the government could no longer waive these visitation rights during public health emergencies.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 0.