EMERGENCY ESSENTIAL CAREGIVERS

Creates the Emergency Situation Essential Caregiver Act. Presents the findings of the General Assembly. Provides that, during any emergency situation, essential caregivers shall be allowed to visit residents in accordance with the Act. Provides that residents of a facility shall be allowed to designate up to 3 essential caregivers who will be allowed to visit and provide care in accordance with this Act in the event of an emergency. Provides that current residents of a facility must be allowed to designate up to 3 essential caregivers within 10 business days of the Act's effective date. Requires facilities to establish specified policies and procedures regarding the designation of essential caregivers, visitations by essential caregivers, and scheduling of such visits that will be in effect during the time of any emergency situation. Provides that residents who are unreasonably denied access to an essential caregiver are entitled to recover statutory damages from the facility of up to $10,000 per day that access is unreasonably denied. Contains an immunity provision for facilities, facility employees, or facility contractors who act in good faith to implement the Act's requirements. Provides that the Act may not be suspended or modified by Executive Order. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.