The Never Alone Act: New Ohio Legislation

Update: The Never Alone Act was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine and will go into effect in 90 days. Take a look at our overview of this new law below:

“To enact sections 3792.05 and 3792.06 of the Revised Code to prohibit a congregate care setting from denying a patient or resident access to an advocate during public health emergencies and to name this act the Never Alone Act.” – 135^th General Assembly’s Substitute House Bill Number 236. 

The Never Alone Act is proposed legislation that would allow residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities to designate a “support person” who can visit them even during times of restricted visitation, such as during public health emergencies.   

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As one might guess, this legislation is largely the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020. We have all heard tragic stories of isolation; a study of people living in nursing homes during 2020 showed a marked increase in depression, weight loss, and reduced cognitive functioning. This proposed law is designed to minimize and hopefully all but eliminate these instances of isolation.

Proposed by State Representatives Melanie Miller and Beth Lear, the Never Alone Act will ensure that, even in the event of future public health emergencies or other circumstances that would limit visitation, at least one designated person (such as a family member, power of attorney agent, companion, etc.) can still visit to provide critical emotional and social support, as well as advocate for their loved one regarding any medical care. 

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This act appears to be aimed at ensuring residents at long-term care facilities have the ability to maintain crucial social connections, receive emotional support, and prevent neglect, particularly during times of emergency.  House Bill 236 passed with a unanimous vote of 89-0 in the Ohio House and (as of Dec. 20, 2024) was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine.