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Larson Joins Colleagues to Introduce the Essential Caregivers Act

June 16, 2021

Washington, D.C. - Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) joined Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-22) introduced the Essential Caregivers Act. The Act would allow essential caregivers to access long-term care facilities to provide care and support to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other future public health emergencies. It would also allow family members and loved ones to enter these facilities to provide care and support, while following the same protocols as staff.

"Many families were separated too long during the pandemic. Residents in Connecticut's long-term care facilities were left in isolation. The Essential Caregivers Act will ensure that will never happen again. I'm proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation and thank Congresswoman Tenney for her leadership on this issue ," said Larson.

Mairead Painter, Connecticut State Long Term Care Ombudsman said, "This Essential Caregivers Act will provide federal assurance to long-term care residents that never again will they have to spend months in isolation. This bill allows residents the ability to designate two people who are essential to their wellbeing and will have access to them. This is something residents, family members, ombudsman programs, and advocates across the country have been fighting for since the beginning of the pandemic. I want to thank Congresswoman Tenney and Congressman Larson for sponsoring the bill and protecting our Long-Term Care Residents."