Senior with adult child

Nov. 3, 2021 update. Texas voters have passed eight amendments to the state constitution to deal with questions of religious freedom, court experience and nursing home access.

A ballot issue passed yesterday in Texas will amend the state’s constitution to allow residents of nursing homes and assisted living communities to designate “essential caregivers” who could not be denied in-person visitation rights, even during public health emergencies.

Proposition 6 also gives the legislature the authority to create further guidelines for facilities to establish policies and procedures.

Texans overwhelmingly approved the measure with 1,102,903 (88%) votes in favor of Proposition 6, and 151,357 (12%) votes against, the Texas Tribune reported Wednesday morning.

The Texas Health Care Association / Texas Center for Assisted Living supported Proposition 6, according to an ABC-affiliated television station in San Antonio.

“The association supports Proposition 6 because it recognizes the importance of in-person visitation, while at the same time maintaining a facility’s ability to protect the health and safety of the residents and staff,” Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the state affiliate of the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, told the television station.