Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Harold Sachs and Anne Roberts Act, legislation that will mandate healthcare facilities allow visitors during public health emergencies, WSFA reported April 28.
The law originates from a federal restriction put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which prohibited families from seeing family members in the hospital. The law allows patients to designate one person who gets a two-hour visit. Additionally, Alabama hospitals must now create infection control protocols and provide personal protective equipment that allows for physical contact between patients and visitors.
Facilities cannot require proof of vaccination from visitors.