What state are you in? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. I went through a similar scenario with my Dad a few months back. He is paralyzed and in a wheelchair and they didn't want me going upstairs to the surgical preop area (even though he needs assistance with transfers and dressing etc) "cuz of COVID." He survived a massive cardiac arrest and many weeks on a ventilator and we are not losing our miracle man without a fight. I'm a RN so I know our rights more than most, so I demanded I accompany him due to his disability. They gave in "just this one time" and I stayed with him several days in his hospital room as he recovered. There were MANY balls dropped and I documented EVERYTHING in writing. When he was discharged, then I got on the horn with the patient advocate at the hospital. I asked what the hospital's policy was regarding a medically necessary caregiver being present. Her ears also perked up when I causally mentioned my brother (their patient's son) is a well respected health care attorney. She referred me to their website and sure enough, there was a legislative bill linked that I could print and save a copy to my phone for future reference. In Oregon, it's Senate Bill 1606, "right to have a caregiver support person present." I will be keeping a copy of this as well as his durable power of attorney for healthcare in my purse at all times. About $300 and best $ we ever spent!
What state are you in? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. I went through a similar scenario with my Dad a few months back. He is paralyzed and in a wheelchair and they didn't want me going upstairs to the surgical preop area (even though he needs assistance with transfers and dressing etc) "cuz of COVID." He survived a massive cardiac arrest and many weeks on a ventilator and we are not losing our miracle man without a fight. I'm a RN so I know our rights more than most, so I demanded I accompany him due to his disability. They gave in "just this one time" and I stayed with him several days in his hospital room as he recovered. There were MANY balls dropped and I documented EVERYTHING in writing. When he was discharged, then I got on the horn with the patient advocate at the hospital. I asked what the hospital's policy was regarding a medically necessary caregiver being present. Her ears also perked up when I causally mentioned my brother (their patient's son) is a well respected health care attorney. She referred me to their website and sure enough, there was a legislative bill linked that I could print and save a copy to my phone for future reference. In Oregon, it's Senate Bill 1606, "right to have a caregiver support person present." I will be keeping a copy of this as well as his durable power of attorney for healthcare in my purse at all times. About $300 and best $ we ever spent!