NY Senate to approve expansion of nursing home visits, increased Covid-19 reporting requirements Updated Feb 22, 2021; Update: All of the nursing home bills passed the Senate this afternoon. Sen. Rachel May’s bill to designate caregivers to visit during health crises, even if the nursing home is closed to the public, passed 63-0. Syracuse, N.Y. – State senators are expected to approve legislation today meant to require more oversight and transparent reporting about nursing home residents during health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic. The package of 11 bills is also meant to explore and create better ways to care for older people – and to ensure that nursing home residents can have pre-approved visitors even during a health crisis.