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H.R. 9641 House Health

Essential Caregivers Act of 2026

Committee Consideration
Introduced
Jul 13, 2026
Sponsor
Rep. Tenney, Claudia (R-NY-24)
View on Congress.gov

STAGE 2 OF 8 — COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

Currently in the House. Last action: ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute by the yeas and nays: 38 - 0 on Jul 15, 2026.

  1. House Introduced in House Jul 13, 2026
  2. House 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
  3. House Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held Jul 15, 2026
  4. House Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 0. Jul 15, 2026

Cosponsors

60

Subjects

Health facilities and institutionsLong-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care

Committees

  • Ways and Means Committee
    • [Markup By, Jul 15, 2026]
    • [Referred To, Jul 13, 2026]
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
    • [Referred To, Jul 13, 2026]

Summary

Essential Caregivers Act of 2026This bill requires certain nursing and long-term care facilities to ensure residents have access to their designated essential caregivers during periods of restricted visitation.Specifically, the bill requires Medicare skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, as well as Medicaid nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, to allow residents to designate two essential caregivers and to allow these caregivers in-person access to residents even when visitation is otherwise restricted. Facilities may limit access of essential caregivers only in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as specified. Essential caregivers must agree to follow all safety protocols established by the facility, which may be no more restrictive than the protocols for staff.

[Summary as of: Introduced in House]

Bill Text

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