One Last Step To Support A Good Bill In Ohio!

Ohio legislators have voted favorably for an important bill to protect the rights of patients and residents in congregate care settings to have an advocate by their side.

H.B. 236 would prevent vaccination status from being used as a reason to deny an advocate physical access to a patient.

This rule would apply at all times, including during public health emergencies. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people were denied the presence of advocates, including loved ones, in congregate care settings across the country, leading to unnecessary isolation and even deaths.

The Weston A. Price Foundation does not take a position on provisions in this bill that are unrelated to vaccines.

This bill was passed by the House unanimously on 6/12/24 and was concurred by the Senate by a vote of 90 Yeas, 0 Nays on 12/11/24.

We need just 2 minutes of your time and one last call from you!

TAKE ACTION

Call Governor Mike DeWine’s office and ask him to sign H.B. 236.

Phone: (614)-466-3555

A sample script is below. Personalize it by adding your own sentences and changing the wording – personal letters are far more effective than form letters!

“My name is ____, and I’m a resident of (town). I am reaching out to urge Governor DeWine to sign H.B. 236, a vital bill that ensures patients and residents in congregate care settings have the right to an advocate, regardless of the advocate’s vaccination status.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people were denied access to advocates, resulting in unnecessary suffering and even preventable deaths. This bill addresses that issue by prohibiting care facilities from restricting advocate access unless the patient or resident specifically requests otherwise.

Please sign this terrific bill, which was unanimously supported by the full House and Senate to protect the rights and well-being of our loved ones in care.”

Talking Points:

Keep your call or email short! Pick the 2 or 3 of these talking points – or none of them — that are most important to you, and be sure to explain why this issue matters to you personally.

H.B. 236 affirms the right of patients and residents to have an advocate present, ensuring they are not isolated during critical times, which is essential for their mental and emotional well-being.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, countless patients were left without advocates due to restrictions, which led to communication gaps, unmet needs, and even preventable deaths. This bill addresses these tragic outcomes and prevents them from happening again.

Having an advocate present allows for a higher level of oversight, encouraging care facilities to maintain high standards of care and accountability for their actions.

The bill maintains patient choice by allowing the presence of an advocate unless the patient or resident specifically requests otherwise, balancing personal autonomy with essential advocacy.

By preventing vaccination status from being used to deny access, the bill ensures that all patients have equal rights to support and care, regardless of personal health choices or circumstances.

Allowing advocates, especially loved ones, to be present during critical care moments provides emotional support and stability to patients, aiding in recovery and improving overall health outcomes.

This bill acknowledges the damaging effects of isolation in care settings and takes steps to ensure no one faces medical challenges alone if they prefer to have support.

MORE INFORMATION

Text, status, and history for HB 236: https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/135/hb236

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