Bill passes for in-person visits in long-term care centers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky lawmakers have wrapped up work on extending a pandemic-related provision allowing designated family and friends to visit residents of long-term care facilities. The bill won final passage Friday in the Senate. The measure goes to Gov. Andy Beshear. The goal is to prevent long-term care residents from feeling isolated from relatives as COVID-19 persists. The bill would maintain designated in-person visits. Under the bill, long-term care residents can designate at least one “essential personal care visitor” for visits. Visitors could include relatives, guardians, friends, caregivers, or volunteers. Visitors would have to follow the safety protocols of the community or facility.