Section 20-6-403 - DefinitionsAs used in this subchapter:
(1)(A) "Compassionate care visitation" means a visit with a friend or family member that is necessary to meet the physical or mental needs of a resident when a resident is exhibiting signs of physical or mental distress, including without limitation:(i) End-of-life situations;(ii) Adjustment support after moving to a new facility or environment;(iii) Emotional support after the loss of a friend or family member;(iv) Physical support after eating or drinking issues, including weight loss or dehydration; or(v) Social support after frequent crying, distress, or depression.(B) "Compassionate care visitation" includes without limitation:(ii) Lay persons offering religious or spiritual support;(iii) Other persons requested by the resident for the purpose of a compassionate care visit; and(iv) A person providing a service requested by the resident such as a hair dresser or barber;(2) "Healthcare facility" means a hospital, an office of a healthcare professional, a long-term care facility, or a hospice facility;(3) "Healthcare professional" means a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by the laws of this state to administer health care in the ordinary course of the practice of his or her profession;(4) "Long-term care facility" means: (B) A residential care facility;(C) A post-acute head injury retraining and residential facility;(D) An intermediate care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities;(E) An assisted living facility; or(F) A facility that provides long-term medical or personal care;(5) "Other individuals given access" means persons other than patients and residents of a healthcare facility;(6) "Patient with a disability" means a patient who needs assistance to effectively communicate with hospital staff, make healthcare decisions, or engage in activities of daily living due to a disability such as:(A) A physical, intellectual, behavioral, or cognitive disability;(B) Deafness, being hard of hearing, or other communication barriers;(D) Autism spectrum disorder; or(7) "Support person" means an individual other than a spouse or legal guardian who is designated by the patient to advocate or provide support for the patient.Added by Act 2021, No. 311,§ 1, eff. 3/10/2021.