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SB 2036

No Patient Left Alone Act; enact.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kathy Chism

Mississippi bill requiring hospitals to allow patients designated companions present during hospital stays died in committee without passage.

Died In Committee
#publichealthandwelfare
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Bill Summary · SB 2036

Legislative bill overview

SB 2036, the "No Patient Left Alone Act," proposes legislation in Mississippi to ensure that hospital patients have the right to have a companion or support person present during their hospital stay. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, after being referred to the Public Health and Welfare Committee on January 17, 2025.

Why is this important

Patient visitation and companion access policies directly affect patient outcomes, mental health, and quality of care, particularly for vulnerable populations like elderly patients, children, and those with cognitive impairments. This issue gained significant attention during COVID-19 lockdowns when restricted visitation caused documented harm to isolated patients and their families.

Potential points of contention

  • Healthcare facility burden: Hospitals may argue that unrestricted companion access creates operational challenges, infection control concerns, and potential liability issues
  • Defining "patient support": Ambiguity about who qualifies as a companion and whether this includes support animals, multiple visitors, or 24/7 presence could create implementation disputes
  • Cost implications: Facilities may contend that accommodating companions requires additional resources, staffing, and infrastructure modifications that affect healthcare costs

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

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