Essential Caregivers Act of 2026
Bill journey · stage 1 of 5
Just introduced
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Jul 13, 2026)
Essential Caregivers Act of 2026
This bill requires certain nursing and long-term care facilities to ensure residents have access to their designated essential caregivers during periods of restricted visitation.
Specifically, the bill requires Medicare skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, as well as Medicaid nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, to allow residents to designate two essential caregivers and to allow these caregivers in-person access to residents even when visitation is otherwise restricted.
Facilities may limit access of essential caregivers only in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as specified. Essential caregivers must agree to follow all safety protocols established by the facility, which may be no more restrictive than the protocols for staff.
What just happenedJul 15, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 0.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseJul 13, 2026
- Jul 15, 2026Committee
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 0.
Ways and Means Committee - Jul 15, 2026Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ways and Means Committee - Jul 13, 2026IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Ways and Means Committee - Jul 13, 2026IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jul 13, 2026IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jul 13, 2026IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House