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Relating to in-person visitation of religious counselors with certain health care facility patients and residents during a public health emergency.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 572 would stipulate that a health care facility "may not prohibit a resident or patient of the facility from receiving in-person visitation with a religious counselor on the patient's or resident’s request during a public health emergency." The executive commissioner of Health and Human Services would be required to develop guidelines to assist health care facilities with establishing in-person religious counselor visitation policies and procedures.
A health care facility would be allowed to prohibit in-person visitation with a religious counselor during a public health emergency if required to do so by federal law or a federal agency.
SB 572 would bolster the right of inpatient facility residents who want to see a member of the clergy to provide for their spiritual welfare during public health emergencies when visitation is limited. SB 572 would benefit the principles of individual liberty and limited government. Texas Action supports SB 572.
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