Bill
SD 169
Overview: SD 169, An Act relative to family visitation with a vulnerable adult, proposed bill, introduced November 29, 2025.Purpose and Intent: This legislation aims to establish c
Overview: SD 169, An Act relative to family visitation with a vulnerable adult, proposed bill, introduced November 29, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: This legislation aims to establish clear guidelines and protections for family visitation rights with vulnerable adults, such as those living in long-term care facilities or under guardianship. The bill seeks to ensure that vulnerable adults can maintain meaningful connections with their loved ones.
Key Provisions:
- Requires long-term care facilities to have written visitation policies that allow for reasonable family access
- Prohibits facilities from restricting visitation without a valid clinical or safety reason
- Allows family members to petition the court for visitation rights if a facility denies access
- Mandates that guardians must facilitate regular visitation unless it is clearly not in the ward's best interest
- Imposes penalties, including fines and license revocation, for facilities that violate the visitation requirements
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Vulnerable adults living in long-term care facilities or under guardianship, who will benefit from increased family interaction
- Family members and loved ones of vulnerable adults, who will have greater assurance of their visitation rights
- Long-term care providers, who must adapt their policies and practices to comply with the new requirements
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been introduced in the state Senate and has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services. If passed, the new visitation rights and facility requirements would take effect within 90 days.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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