Congresswoman Tenney Reintroduces Bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act to Protect Long-Term Care Residents

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24)reintroduced the House companion to the bipartisan, bicameral Essential Caregivers Act alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), ensuring residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities are never again cut off from their loved ones during a public health emergency.

This legislation is cosponsored in the House by Representatives: Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Larson (D-CT), Susie Lee (D-NV), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Cory Mills (R-FL), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

The Essential Caregivers Act guarantees that residents of long-term care facilities retain the right to in-person access to a designated essential caregiver even when visitation is otherwise restricted by emergency orders. The legislation responds directly to the devastating isolation experienced by seniors and individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, when families were barred from providing basic care, advocacy, and emotional support. The bill also directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to establish clear, uniform safety guidelines so essential caregivers can continue providing care while protecting residents and staff.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced how dangerous and inhumane it is to isolate seniors and vulnerable patients from the people who care for them the most," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Families were locked out, residents declined rapidly, and far too many suffered alone. The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that never happens again. Loved ones are not visitors. They are caregivers, advocates, and lifelines. This bipartisan legislation protects dignity, safeguards patient rights, and makes sure compassion and common sense guide our response during any future emergency."

"The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that the rights of residents in long-term care facilities are protected when a future public health crisis strikes," said Senator Blumenthal. "By allowing at least one designated essential caregiver to have safe, in-person access to their loved ones during an emergency, our bipartisan legislation guarantees that residents in these facilities will never again have to face the isolation that far too many patients experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic."

###