INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers moved forward with a proposal to change visitation restrictions at the state's health and residential care sites amid concerns about residents' declining interactions with loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.

The measure approved by the Indiana Senate Thursday would require health facilities to allow at least one caretaker to visit a resident during compassionate care situations.

Those include if the resident is dying, grieving a recent death, experiencing emotional distress or needing encouragement to eat or drink.

Under the bill, long-term care facilities would also be required to designate at least two caregivers who can enter facilities and provide residents with support like meal set up, grooming and general companionship.

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