The Essential Caregivers Act  (H.R. 3733)  is bipartisan legislation that would give nursing home residents the right to have access to two “essential caregivers” to provide care, support, and companionship during any public health emergency. Essential caregivers would be permitted to visit even if visitation were restricted, as it has been during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose is to ensure that residents never again suffer from isolation and neglect because they are completely cut off from family or other individuals who provide crucial assistance and support to them. Essential caregivers would be required to follow the same safety and infection prevention protocols as staff. The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney on 6/4/21.

Last week, Congresswoman Tenney and Congressman John Larson hosted a roundtable discussion explaining the importance of the Essential Caregivers Act to congressional staff and Members of Congress. The video of the roundtable is available on Congresswoman Tenney’s Facebook page. Consumer Voice submitted a written statement in support of the legislation, and Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Robyn Grant, recorded a statement that was aired during the discussion.