Legislation is headed to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's desk that would impact long-term care facilities.

The 'Never Alone Act' would allow those in nursing homes to be with a loved one, even if there's a public health emergency.

House Bill 236 would prohibit nursing homes or long-term care settings from denying patients or residents access to an advocate during public health emergencies. This means a loved one can still see an elder or anyone in this setting.

Theresa Knapik, Director of Long-term care Ombudson program said the people have learned a lot from the COVID  pandemic and believes it's important residents have this right.

"What we know is that families play such a crucial part in the resident's lives," Knapik said, "What we learned during the pandemic was that residents were socially isolated, and families who would visit nightly to help feed the resident and just be part of their lives were suddenly no longer able to and it left the resident very isolated and put a lot of extra burden on the staff."

The legislation would not stop the facilities from requiring protective gear like face masks. Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Dee Banks said she thinks this act is the right thing to do because of people's heartache and pain in isolation with no one there.

Banks added that it's important the necessary precautions are adhered to in the event of another widespread disease. 

"Wear a mask, wear gowns, wear gloves, wear all those personal protective gear," she said, "I think a law like that will be wise, but again, we have to, even if a law is passed, it still needs to be reexamined, because we don't know what's on the horizon."

The 'Never Alone Act' has made its way through the Ohio General Assembly.

Governor DeWine's office said he is reviewing the legislation.