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Bill

Bill

S 785

Establishes "New Jersey No Patient Left Alone Act"; requires certain facilities to establish policies guaranteeing visitation rights for facility residents.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Corrado and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey law would require healthcare facilities to guarantee resident visitation rights through written policies, ensuring family access to institutionalized patients.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 785

Legislative bill overview

S 785 mandates that New Jersey healthcare and long-term care facilities establish written policies guaranteeing visitation rights for their residents. The bill aims to ensure patients have consistent access to family members and support persons during their stay in these facilities.

Why is this important

Visitation access significantly impacts patient mental health, recovery outcomes, and quality of life—particularly for vulnerable populations in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The bill addresses concerns that emerged during COVID-19 lockdowns when restrictive visitation policies caused documented psychological harm and complicated end-of-life care, establishing baseline protections going forward.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and facility coverage: Unclear which types of facilities are covered (nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, assisted living) and whether exemptions apply to high-security or infectious disease situations
  • Infection control versus access: Tension between protecting residents' health through infection prevention and guaranteeing open visitation, especially during disease outbreaks
  • Implementation costs: Facilities may argue that enforcing robust visitation policies requires additional staffing, screening protocols, and security measures that increase operational expenses
  • Definition of "visitation rights": The bill doesn't specify limits on visitor numbers, hours, duration, or whether certain visitors (security threats, individuals with contagious illnesses) can be restricted

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

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