H.R. 9641 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Jul 13, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryEnsures nursing home residents can see essential caregivers
When nursing homes and long-term care facilities need to restrict visitors—say during a health emergency—residents would still be allowed to have two designated essential caregivers visit them in person. These caregivers would have guaranteed access even when general visitation is blocked, though they'd need to follow the same safety rules that staff follow. The facilities can only limit these visits if federal health officials say they should.
How it affects you
If you're a nursing home or long-term care facility resident, you'd get to pick two people who can visit you even during restricted visitation periods, which could mean more contact with loved ones when you need it most. Family members and close friends who are designated as essential caregivers would have the right to visit residents they care for in these facilities.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jul 13, 2026)
Essential Caregivers Act of 2026
This bill requires certain nursing and long-term care facilities to ensure residents have access to their designated essential caregivers during periods of restricted visitation.
Specifically, the bill requires Medicare skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, as well as Medicaid nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, to allow residents to designate two essential caregivers and to allow these caregivers in-person access to residents even when visitation is otherwise restricted.
Facilities may limit access of essential caregivers only in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as specified. Essential caregivers must agree to follow all safety protocols established by the facility, which may be no more restrictive than the protocols for staff.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 9641
A BILL
Essential Caregivers Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) · Introduced Jul 13, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 15, 2026: “Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 0.”