At the height of the pandemic — especially in the pre-vaccine period — hospitals and health care facilities put strict limits on which people were allowed to visit patients, as well as when and how often.

That led to family members not being able to truly say goodbye or even hold the hand of a loved one nearing death. In response, this legislative session found lawmakers approving HB 2633 — also known as the Glenn Martin Act. Gov. Doug Ducey signed the bill into law earlier this month.

What will the law do, and how will it impact hospitals and patients?

Ann-Marie Alameddin is president and CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.

The Show spoke with her about the law, and she began the conversation by describing the challenges of balancing hospital policies with the emotions that people feel when their loved ones are seriously ill.

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