Senate committee sends AB 960 to the floor to extend patient visitation rights for people with disabilities and dementia

The California Senate Committee on Appropriations voted to recommend AB 960 for passage to the full Senate. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Garcia, would require hospitals to allow extended caregiver visitation for patients with a physical, intellectual or developmental disability, cognitive impairment, or demonstrated dementia needs beyond standard visiting hours.

Assemblymember Garcia said AB 960 addresses inconsistent visitation rules across hospitals and argued that allowing caregiver presence “greatly improves [patients’] quality of life.” Monica Miller, representing Alzheimer’s Los Angeles and other local Alzheimer’s chapters, testified in support and answered committee questions.

The California Department of Public Health estimated minor compliance costs for health facilities. No state agency opposed the bill, and committee members moved and recorded a due-pass recommendation. The committee roll call returned a favorable result; the measure was reported out with a recorded committee vote supporting the due-pass motion.

Why it matters: Supporters said caregiver presence can reduce stress, aid communication, and reduce readmissions for patients with dementia and cognitive impairments. The bill standardizes caregiving access expectations across hospitals rather than leaving decisions to individual facilities.

What’s next: AB 960 moves to the Senate floor with the committee’s due-pass recommendation; it will be subject to any further fiscal analysis and floor debate.