Mansfield Times

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed the Never Alone Act into law, an initiative sponsored by State Representatives Melanie Miller and Beth Lear. The signing ceremony took place at the Statehouse.

The legislation, known as House Bill 236, passed with a unanimous vote of 89-0 in the Ohio House. The Act aims to ensure that every patient can have an advocate present with them in hospitals, nursing homes, or other congregate care settings, particularly during health emergencies.

Representative Miller expressed gratitude towards Governor DeWine for enacting the law. “I want to thank Governor DeWine for signing the Never Alone Act from an idea into reality,” said Miller. She emphasized that the Act guarantees everyone has someone to speak on their behalf when they are unable to do so themselves in healthcare facilities.

Representative Lear highlighted the necessity of this legislation beyond the COVID pandemic. “While the need for an advocate became obvious during COVID, it remains clear that patients and residents need access to loved ones whenever they are in a vulnerable healthcare situation,” Lear stated. She stressed that no one should be forced to endure suffering or death alone.

The Never Alone Act includes several key provisions:

- Congregate care settings must inform patients or residents about their right to designate an individual as an advocate and provide them with this opportunity.

- It prohibits these settings from denying access to advocates or preventing advocates from being physically present with patients or residents.

- It prevents political subdivisions, public officials, or state agencies from enforcing any orders that would contravene these provisions.

- The Department of Health is required to create a Never Alone information sheet, which must be provided to each patient or resident upon admission.

The law will take effect 90 days following its signing by Governor DeWine.