HEALTH CARE/FACILITIES: Provides relative to visitation policies at certain healthcare facilities and requires such facilities to allow in-person visitation

HB 976 mandates that healthcare facilities allow in-person visitation for patients, with the exception of licensed forensic psychiatric hospitals where these rules do not apply. The bill changes the language regarding visitation from optional to required, ensuring that facilities must permit family and friends to visit patients physically rather than relying solely on virtual means. This legislation directly impacts hospitals, nursing homes, and other care providers by establishing a clear requirement for face-to-face visitor access.