Big Idea

• This legislation requires the accommodation of in-person spiritual care visitations for residents in long-term facilities
• For many patients, the spiritual care is as important as health care
• These types of visits are not always prioritized in long-term facilities
• This new law protects the religious liberty of long-term care residents in AZ
• Read more...

This bill ensures patients are able to get the spiritual comfort and support they seek

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representative Quang Nguyen announced the enactment of HB 2449 , legislation he sponsored to require the accommodation of in-person spiritual care visitations for residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and hospice. Governor Ducey signed the bill into law today.

“For many patients and their families, the spiritual care provided by visiting clergy is as important as health care,” said Representative Nguyen. “Unfortunately, these visits are not always accommodated in long-term care facilities. Restrictive visitation policies put in place by facilities during the coronavirus pandemic resulted in separating patients from their families, clergy, and others for long periods. The new law protects the religious liberty of long-term care residents in Arizona, ensuring they are able to get the spiritual comfort and support they seek as they near the end of life.”

Representative Nguyen’s bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in both legislative chambers before heading to Governor Ducey.

HB 2449 safeguards health and safety policies set by facilities, requiring visiting clergy to comply with all reasonable precautions.  

A similar law  requiring hospitals to facilitate clergy visits for end-of-life patients, also sponsored by Representative Nguyen, was passed and signed in 2021.

Quang Nguyen is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 1, which includes Prescott, and portions of Yavapai and Maricopa Counties.  Follow him on Twitter at @QuangNguyenAZ.