Arizona Senate Committee Passes SB1514 After Hearing Heartbreaking Testimony

On Wednesday, February 9th, in a 6-2 party line vote, the Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed SB1514. Before the vote, members heard heartbreaking testimony in support of the bill from family members who died alone in hospitals as a result of COVID-19 mitigation measures.

The bill is sponsored by Senators Barto, Gowan, Gray, Kerr, Leach, Livingston, Petersen, Shope, Townsend, and Ugenti-Rita.

Purpose of the bill:

Prescribes requirements for health care institution visitation policies, including the right for patients to be accompanied by two visitors at all times or their entire immediate family and a clergy member if it is likely the patient will die or lose consciousness within 24 hours. Prohibits health care institutions from blocking a patient's right to operate and possess communication devices.