Scottish government pass ‘Anne’s Law’ to protect care home visits
The Scottish government has passed ‘Anne’s Law’ to give care home residents legal rights to visits from a designated loved one.
The law is named after Anne Duke, a woman with dementia who died in November 2021 after being separated from her family during the Covid-19 pandemic and follows a campaign by Anne’s daughter.
Anne’s Law requires every adult care home in Scotland to identify at least one ‘Essential Care Supporter’ for each resident and ensure they are given priority access to visit. Scottish care homes will only be able to suspend visits in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and only having taken all reasonable steps to make visits possible. Where a person is nearing the end of life, or where separation would cause greater harm than the health risk, visits would continue.
Tom Arthur, Scotland’s Social Care Minister, says:
“These regulations enshrine the right to direct contact in law and recognise the vital role family, friends and others play in providing essential care, support and companionship to loved ones in adult care homes.
In developing the legislation, I am pleased that we were able to work closely with Natasha Hamilton, whose petition first highlighted the issue during the pandemic.”
Find out more about Anne’s Law here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/annes-law-code-practice-care-home-services-visits-care-home-residents-scotland-regulations-2026-31-march-2026/