AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 2, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 17, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill applies to Medicare skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and Medicaid nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Covered facilities must allow residents to designate two essential caregivers.
- Essential caregivers must be granted in-person access to residents even when visitation is otherwise restricted.
- Facilities may limit essential caregiver access only according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidance.
- Essential caregivers must agree to follow facility safety protocols, which may not be more restrictive than protocols for staff.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The official summary establishes the access requirement and caregiver designation process but does not quantify affected residents, facilities, or caregivers.
- The summary does not specify which CMS guidance would govern access limitations.
- The summary does not document effects on facility operations, costs, or caregiver availability.
- The summary does not establish whether enforcement mechanisms or penalties are included.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced in House on July 13, 2026.
- Referred to Committee on Energy and Commerce and Committee on Ways and Means on July 13, 2026.
- Committee markup held and ordered reported as substitute by 38-0 vote on July 15, 2026.
- No subsequent recorded action as of available data.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Jul 15, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 0.
- Jul 15, 2026 — Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 13, 2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Jul 13, 2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Jul 13, 2026 — Introduced in House
- Jul 13, 2026 — Introduced in House