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HB 592

No Patient Left Alone Act; create.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Creekmore and 1 co-sponsor

Mississippi bill requiring hospitals to allow patient companions during care died in committee; aimed to prevent patient isolation during medical treatment.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 592

Legislative bill overview

HB 592, the "No Patient Left Alone Act," was introduced in Mississippi but died in committee without advancing. Based on the title, the bill appears designed to ensure patients have companion access during medical care, though specific provisions are not detailed in available legislative records.

Why is this important

Patient advocacy and hospital visitation policies directly affect patient outcomes, mental health, and family involvement in medical decision-making. This became especially relevant post-pandemic as many facilities had implemented strict visitation restrictions. Clear statutory protections for patient companions could prevent healthcare facilities from isolating vulnerable patients during critical care moments.

Potential points of contention

  • Hospital operational flexibility: Healthcare facilities may resist mandates that could disrupt workflows, increase liability concerns, or complicate infection control protocols in sensitive care areas (ICU, surgery, infectious disease wards)
  • Definition ambiguity: Unclear language about who qualifies as an approved "companion" and in which settings (emergency rooms, psychiatric holds, pediatric care) could create enforcement challenges
  • Cost implications: Requiring accommodation infrastructure for continuous companion presence could impose facility expenses, potentially passed to patients through insurance costs

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

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