Support A Good Bill In Ohio!

Ohio legislators are reviewing 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 passed the full House unanimously on 6/12/24. It is scheduled for the 1st hearing in the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, 11/13/2024.

We need you to speak up and make your voices heard!

TAKE ACTION

Contact members of the Senate Health Committee before Nov. 13^th and ask them to SUPPORT H.B. 236. https://ohiosenate.gov/committees/health

Contact your State Senator and urge them to SUPPORT H.B. 236.

You can look up who represents you at https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislators/find-my-legislators

Sample script for email or calls 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 Committee Member (or Senator) ____ to support 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 support H.B. 236 and help it move forward swiftly 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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