This afternoon (April 22), the Legislature's Health & Human Services Committee unanimously voted “Ought Not to Pass” on LD 1139, An Act to Authorize and Regulate Visitation of Essential Caregivers at Long Term Care Facilities. The bill would have prevented facilities from barring visitors under almost all circumstances. MHCA was joined by the DHHS Division of Licensing in opposing the bill. Contradictions with federal regulations and risk of losing federal Medicaid funds were cited as reasons to oppose. The unanimous committee vote essentially kills the bill for the legislative session.