Senate bill · S255 (2025-26)
Relates to access to nursing home residents by essential caregivers
New York State Senate
Same as A3727, the matching bill in the Assembly.
Summary
Relates to access to nursing home residents by essential caregivers; establishes safety protocols and appeals processes.
Summary from NY Open Legislation. How we handle summaries
Amends the Public Health Law.
From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Nov 1, 2026. About our data
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Purpose, from the sponsor's memo
Provides residents of nursing homes with unrestricted access to their designated essential caregiver at any time, including during a declared state of emergency that restricts visitation, thereby promoting a more inclusive and compassionate care environment for such residents.
Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)
Where it stands
Assigned to a committee for review.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Health · New York State Assembly
Also referred to Health · New York State Senate.
The sponsor's argument
Why Patrick M. Gallivan says this is needed
Allowing access to essential caregivers at all times ensures that nurs- ing home residents experience improved mental well-being, that may lead to enhanced physical health and a greater quality of life. Moreover, nursing home residents may be subject to the deprivation of personalized care and emotional support when such caregivers' access is restricted. The invaluable role of an essential caregiver, often a family member or loved one, is also recognized for alleviating the need for assistance from nursing home staff, in certain instances, thereby allowing such personnel to focus on clinical care. Importantly, this legislation will foster a more effective and compassionate response to residents' needs.
This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.
Full history
- May 19, 2026
Held for Consideration in Health
HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN HEALTH
NY Assembly
- Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO HEALTH
NY Assembly
- Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO HEALTH
NY Senate
- Jan 30, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO HEALTH
NY Assembly
- Jan 8, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO HEALTH
NY Senate