# 119-hr-6766: Essential Caregivers Act of 2025

119-hr-6766, Essential Caregivers Act of 2025, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24] (R-NY); status introduced; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-09-21).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-6766
- As of: 2026-09-21
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-hr-6766
- Congress: 119
- Title: Essential Caregivers Act of 2025
- Status: introduced
- Introduced: 2025-12-16
- Sponsor: Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24] (R-NY)
- Cosponsors: 160
- Policy area: Health
- Touches household money: yes
- Last recorded action: 2026-09-21

## Summary

**Guarantee essential caregivers' uninterrupted access** to Medicare and Medicaid nursing facilities, including during emergency visitation restrictions. This bill would let residents name a trusted caregiver, limit when facilities can block visits, and set a fast appeals and penalty process. - Residents and families: Residents could designate or change an essential caregiver at any time, and a representative can designate one if the resident lacks capacity. At least one designated essential caregiver must be allowed daily during emergency restrictions; initial denials are capped at 7 days with a possible state-approved extension to 14 days. - Caregivers: Designated caregivers must sign and follow written facility safety protocols that cannot be stricter than rules for staff. Facilities must rely on those written protocols when claiming a caregiver violated terms, and the facility bears the burden if it argues a violation during an appeal. - Facilities and state oversight: State survey agencies must accept appeals quickly, start investigations within 2 business days, and decide within 48 hours of starting the probe. Agencies can order immediate access, require a corrective action plan within 7 days, and impose civil money penalties up to $5,000 if facilities fail to comply.

## Cosponsors (160)

- Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1] (D-CT), 2025-12-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1] (R-PA), 2025-12-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1] (R-KS), 2025-12-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6] (R-AZ), 2025-12-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7] (R-FL), 2025-12-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6] (D-MI), 2025-12-17T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3] (D-NV), 2025-12-17T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19] (D-CA), 2025-12-17T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22] (D-NY), 2025-12-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] (D-CA), 2025-12-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11] (R-NY), 2025-12-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27] (R-FL), 2025-12-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7] (R-WI), 2025-12-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4] (R-FL), 2025-12-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10] (D-FL), 2026-01-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1] (D-OR), 2026-01-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40] (R-CA), 2026-01-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (D-CO), 2026-01-06T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2] (R-IN), 2026-01-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] (R-NY), 2026-01-08T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21] (D-CA), 2026-01-08T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] (D-CT), 2026-01-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12] (D-MI), 2026-01-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2] (D-WI), 2026-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12] (D-CA), 2026-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23] (R-NY), 2026-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5] (R-FL), 2026-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7] (D-AZ), 2026-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large] (D-DE), 2026-01-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4] (D-CT), 2026-01-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2] (D-CT), 2026-01-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5] (D-CT), 2026-01-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7] (D-AL), 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44] (D-CA), 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4] (D-CA), 2026-01-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6] (R-FL), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3] (D-KS), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3] (D-MA), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3] (R-AL), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6] (D-NY), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13] (R-FL), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2] (D-NC), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2] (R-NE), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3] (D-WA), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24] (D-CA), 2026-01-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11] (R-PA), 2026-01-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9] (R-PA), 2026-01-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1] (R-WV), 2026-02-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28] (D-CA), 2026-02-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1] (D-NM), 2026-02-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3] (D-MI), 2026-02-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26] (D-NY), 2026-02-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2] (D-NM), 2026-02-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3] (R-NE), 2026-02-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2] (D-AL), 2026-02-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2] (R-NY), 2026-02-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1] (D-NH), 2026-02-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4] (R-UT), 2026-02-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1] (R-NY), 2026-02-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34] (D-CA), 2026-02-11T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2] (D-HI), 2026-02-20T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50] (D-CA), 2026-02-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1] (D-RI), 2026-02-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7] (D-CO), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9] (D-FL), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3] (D-NY), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9] (D-CA), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2] (D-IL), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2] (R-AR), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17] (R-FL), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17] (D-PA), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21] (R-NY), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2] (R-IA), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. James, John [R-MI-10] (R-MI), 2026-02-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2] (R-SC), 2026-03-03T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16] (R-PA), 2026-03-04T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15] (R-PA), 2026-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16] (D-NY), 2026-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4] (R-IA), 2026-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5] (R-KY), 2026-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36] (D-CA), 2026-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1] (D-NC), 2026-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22] (R-CA), 2026-03-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2] (D-ME), 2026-03-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1] (R-VA), 2026-03-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3] (R-WI), 2026-03-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6] (D-CO), 2026-03-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15] (D-NY), 2026-03-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8] (D-MI), 2026-03-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large] (R-ND), 2026-03-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13] (D-MI), 2026-03-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3] (R-FL), 2026-03-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4] (R-AR), 2026-03-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1] (R-MN), 2026-03-26T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11] (D-MI), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16] (R-IL), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1] (R-MI), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11] (D-VA), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5] (D-NJ), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12] (R-IL), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21] (R-FL), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1] (R-AR), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3] (D-NM), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4] (R-MO), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6] (R-AL), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5] (D-MO), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large] (D-VT), 2026-04-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2] (D-RI), 2026-04-20T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10] (R-NC), 2026-04-21T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9] (R-AZ), 2026-04-13T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5] (R-MI), 2026-04-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14] (D-FL), 2026-04-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7] (D-IN), 2026-04-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9] (D-NY), 2026-04-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20] (D-NY), 2026-04-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4] (D-VA), 2026-04-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49] (D-CA), 2026-04-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13] (R-PA), 2026-04-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13] (D-IL), 2026-04-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5] (R-WI), 2026-04-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31] (D-CA), 2026-04-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] (D-MA), 2026-04-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5] (R-WA), 2026-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4] (R-AL), 2026-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13] (D-NY), 2026-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19] (D-NY), 2026-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25] (D-NY), 2026-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3] (R-SC), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1] (D-ME), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3] (D-OH), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2] (R-VA), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7] (R-SC), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11] (D-OH), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] (R-FL), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7] (R-MI), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] (R-GA), 2026-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52] (D-CA), 2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6] (D-CA), 2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1] (R-ID), 2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4] (R-MI), 2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11] (R-NC), 2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6] (R-OH), 2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27] (D-CA), 2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1] (R-UT), 2026-06-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19] (R-FL), 2026-06-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3] (D-MD), 2026-06-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7] (R-MN), 2026-06-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5] (R-TX), 2026-06-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3] (R-TN), 2026-06-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7] (D-VA), 2026-06-18T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8] (R-MN), 2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8] (R-CO), 2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7] (D-IL), 2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2] (R-MI), 2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12] (R-OH), 2026-06-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5] (R-SC), 2026-06-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7] (D-NY), 2026-07-02T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1] (D-OH), 2026-07-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23] (R-CA), 2026-07-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25] (D-CA), 2026-07-13T00:00:00.000Z

## Provisions PRIA read

- Caregiver Access During Emergencies: benefit, medium. If enacted, the bill would require facilities to allow ongoing access for at least one essential caregiver even when visitation is officially restricted. A facility could not deny access for more than 7 days without State approval, and only one extra 7‑day extension is allowed (14 days total with S…
- Caregiver Rights for Rehab and Disability Care: benefit, medium. If enacted, the bill would extend the same essential‑caregiver designation and access rules to certain inpatient rehabilitation facilities on the same campus as a nursing home and to intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities. Those facilities would have to follow the sa…
- Right to Name Essential Caregiver: benefit, medium. If enacted, residents in Medicare or Medicaid nursing facilities would be able to designate at least one "essential caregiver." Facilities would have to publish written safety and entry protocols for those caregivers. Those caregiver protocols could not be more restrictive than the rules that apply…
- No New Visitation Authority: benefit, low. If enacted, the bill would clarify that it does not create new authority for States, local officials, or facilities to impose broader visitation limits. This clause is a clarification and would take effect two years after enactment.
- Fast Appeals and Penalties for Denials: mixed, medium. If enacted, the Secretary would issue a final appeals rule within two years. In the meantime, State survey agencies must start investigating appeals within 2 business days and decide within 48 hours of starting. Facilities must give a written warning before denying access and send a written denial…

## Related bills

- 119-hr-842: Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act
- 119-hr-2102: Major Richard Star Act
- 119-hr-3514: Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
- 119-hr-909: Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025
- 119-hr-1262: Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act
- 119-hr-979: AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

## Sources
- [119-hr-6766 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6766)

## Related
- [119-hr-842: Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage A…](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-842)
- [119-hr-2102: Major Richard Star Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-2102)
- [119-hr-3514: Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3514)
- [119-hr-909: Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-909)
- [119-hr-1262: Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-1262)
- [119-hr-979: AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-979)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-6766 (as of 2026-09-21).