PA House Advances Rapp’s Essential Caregiver Legislation

October 20, 2020

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by House Health Committee Majority Chairman Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) that would safely allow family members to visit long-term care facilities as essential caregivers for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens was approved by the PA House on Tuesday.

Mirroring regulations already enacted in Minnesota and Indiana, House Bill 2861 would amend the Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Act to allow a designated essential family caregiver to be named for each resident of a licensed long-term care facility.

“My legislation is all about returning the irreplaceable element of family to our long-term care facilities and ending this prolonged separation that is negatively impacting the overall health and emotional well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Rapp. “By following the example of Indiana and Minnesota in implementing successful essential caregiver programs, Pennsylvania can also establish screening protocols and other additional safeguards to allow family members to take an active role in the long-term care and support of their loved ones.”

House Bill 2861 now advances to the state Senate for consideration.

Representative Kathy Rapp
65th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ty McCauslin
717.772.9979
RepRapp.com / Facebook.com/RepRapp