Governor ceremonially signs the No Patient Left Alone Act

Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, joined Gov. Kevin Stitt in a ceremonial signing of House Bill 2687, also known as the No Patient Left Alone Act, at the state Capitol on Wednesday.

The measure, authored by Bergstrom, was passed during the 2021 legislative session unanimously by both chambers and ensures any minor or adult patient hospitalized during a state of emergency can designate a visitor to have unrestricted visitation and access to patient care.

“The No Patient Left Alone Act ensures that no one will have to suffer in the hospital alone ever again due to hospital protocols during a state of emergency,” Bergstrom said. “The COVID-19 pandemic showcased this to the nation in a very raw and revealing way – it’s difficult enough to be hospitalized, but to do so without a family member or friend to be your advocate and companion deteriorates mental health and patient care. I’m glad this will no longer be a worry for Oklahomans as we continue dealing with the virus.”

The measure does allow hospitals to implement individual policies to restrict visitation rights under certain circumstances, like if the visitor interferes with the rights or care of a patient, is threatening or violent toward a staff member or patient, or is noncompliant with hospital policies. The hospital may also require visitors to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or comply with reasonable safety protocols.

The measure, which was officially signed into law in May, will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2021.