LEGISLATION PROMPTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WAS RECENTLY SIGNED INTO LAW. 

THE BILL WAS FILED IN RESPONSE TO THE HEARTBREAKING ISOLATION THAT RESIDENTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES FELT DURING THE PANDEMIC. IT WAS SPONSORED IN THE SPRING BY SENATOR JIL TRACY OF QUINCY.

TRACY NOTES IT LETS RESIDENTS APPOINT A PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ESSENTIAL SUPPORT PERSON.

UNDER THE NEW LAW… A STATEWIDE POLICY FOR VISITING LOVED ONES DURING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES WILL BE ESTABLISHED. IT WILL LET RESIDENTS NAME AN ESSENTIAL SUPPORT PERSON THAT WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO VISITATION RESTRICTIONS.