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HD 2387

An Act to protect a patient’s right to a support person at health care facilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn

Gives patients the right to a designated support person with them at health care facilities 24/7, with temporary limits during surgery or emergencies; vaccination not required.

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Bill Summary · HD 2387

Summary: An Act to protect a patient’s right to a support person at health care facilities (HD 2387)

Overview

  • Bill: HD 2387, titled An Act to protect a patient’s right to a support person at health care facilities.
  • Origin: Proposed bill filed in the Massachusetts General Court as House Docket No. 2387 (House No. 2559). Filed January 16, 2025; presented by Representative Marcus S. Vaughn (and Sue Chester as co-petitioner).
  • Session: Part of the 194th General Court (2025-2026). Status in this document is as a proposed bill; no enacted status provided.

Purpose

The bill aims to guarantee patients a right to have a support person present with them at health care facilities and during related activities, with limited exceptions for certain medical procedures or emergencies.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Chapter 111, Section 70E, by adding a new subsection (p).
  • Right to a support person:
    • A patient may designate a person of their choosing to serve as a support person.
    • The support person may be present with the patient 24 hours a day in patient-accessible areas of the health care facility or the provider’s office.
    • The support person accompanies the patient during inpatient or outpatient treatment and while the patient is consulting with health care providers.
  • Temporary restrictions:
    • A health care facility may temporarily restrict the presence of the support person during surgeries or emergency interventions.
  • Vaccination policy:
    • Facilities may not require the support person to receive any vaccination as a condition for access to the patient.

Who is Affected

  • Patients who desire companionship and advocacy during care.
  • Designated support persons (friends, family, or others chosen by the patient).
  • Health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and provider offices, and their staff.

Practical and Policy Implications

  • Facilities will need to align visitation and access policies to reflect the patient’s right to a support person, while maintaining safety during surgeries and emergencies.
  • Policies cannot condition access on vaccination status for the designated support person.
  • May require staff training on rights-based patient advocacy and privacy considerations in shared spaces.

Implementation Timeline

  • The text does not specify an explicit effective date. If enacted, the law would typically take effect on a designated future date, with any necessary regulatory or policy updates to be developed by the relevant health care authorities.

Notes

  • The bill reflects a broader shift toward patient-centered rights and family/advocate involvement in care, balancing patient needs with clinical and safety needs during procedures and emergencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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