§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.

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