Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York’s 24th district has reintroduced the House version of the bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act. The bill, also supported in the Senate by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), aims to ensure that residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities are not separated from their designated caregivers during public health emergencies.
The 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).
If enacted, the Essential Caregivers Act would allow residents to have in-person access to a chosen essential caregiver even when general visitation is restricted due to emergency orders. The bill addresses concerns raised during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many seniors and people with disabilities experienced isolation as families were unable to visit or provide support. It also instructs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create clear safety guidelines so that essential caregivers can continue their roles while maintaining protection for both 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.”
Senator Blumenthal added: “The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that the rights of residents in long-term care facilities are protected when a future public health crisis strikes. 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.”
Claudia Tenney has represented New York’s 24th district since 2021 after replacing Anthony Brindisi. She previously served in the New York State Assembly from 2011 through 2016. Born in New Hartford in 1961, Tenney currently lives in Canandaigua. She holds a BA from Colgate University and a JD from the University of Cincinnati.
