parent, stepparent, grandparent, grandchild, brother,
stepbrother, sister, stepsister or like relative-in-law.
"Intermediate care facility for individuals with an
intellectual disability." The term shall have the same meaning
as the term "intermediate care facility for the mentally
retarded" in section 1905(d) of the Social Security Act (49
Stat. 620, 42 U.S.C. § 1396d(d)) on the effective date of this
definition.
"Secretary." The Secretary of Human Services of the
Commonwealth.
"State of disaster emergency." A state of disaster emergency
declared under 35 Pa.C.S. § 7301(c) (relating to general
authority of Governor) that is due to a communicable disease.
Section 3. Essential family caregiver.
(a) Designation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, during a state of disaster emergency the secretary shall
require a facility to designate at least one essential family
caregiver per resident to provide companionship and assist with
activities requiring one-on-one direction, including
compassionate care situations. Only facilities that have the
ability to follow necessary precautions outlined by the Federal
and State Government may designate an essential family
caregiver.
(b) Visitation.--Visitation by an essential family caregiver
may be conducted through different means based on a facility's
structure and the needs of the residents, such as use of
resident rooms, dedicated visitation spaces and the outdoors and
visitation in circumstances beyond compassionate care
situations. The following shall apply:
(1) Except for on-going use of virtual visits,
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