Even with increasing cases of the omicron variant, nursing homes and assisted living facilities cannot unilaterally decide to halt visitation by designated essential caregivers which is now protected by the Texas constitution.
Abbott said that job growth in Texas is “roaring back” in comparison to many other states.
All eight amendments to the Texas Constitution passed by overwhelming majorities of 59 percent or more.
On November 2, Texans will vote on a constitutional amendment that would cement the right to have at least one family member designated as an essential caregiver who can not be prohibited from visitation.
Families separated for months during lockdowns of nursing homes will now have visitation by at least one designated essential caregiver protected by law.
Texas' reopening now includes more widely available visitation to long-term care residents who have been largely isolated for a year. However, some facilities appear to be continuing to limit visitation.
Loved ones will not be separated for months again should another public health crisis arise if the Texas House passes the bill that the Senate unanimously approved on Wednesday.
“Keeping families out did not keep [COVID-19] out,” a family member emphasized, urging provision to be made by the legislators for families to visit regularly again.
Rep. Scott Sanford has authored legislation that would require nursing homes to allow daily visits by family members designated as essential caregivers.
A long and lonely year may end more happily for many families as elderly loved ones come home for a visit on Christmas.
Nursing home residents have had their rights to visitation limited during the pandemic, but they still have the right to cast a secure ballot and the facilities must assist them in doing so.
A new set of nursing home visitation guidelines was released which will allow designated caregivers to visit regularly even if there are COVID-19 positive cases within a facility.
