Visitation Policy & Guidelines

The core principles of infection prevention will be adhered to and as follows:

1. 1. The community will provide guidance with any infection control needs related to allowable communicable conditions as it applies to visitation
   2. Visitors with confirmed isolation-required communicable illnesses will be asked to defer non-urgent in-person visitation until they meet CDC criteria for healthcare settings to end isolation
   3. For visitors who have had close contact with someone with communicable infections, it is safest to defer non-urgent in-person visitation until resolution of illness is achieved
   4. Hand hygiene, using an alcohol-based hand rub, will be encouraged by residents and visitors before and after contact
   5. Visitors who are unable to adhere to principles of infection prevention will not be permitted to visit or will be asked to leave
   6. Indoor visitation will allow in-person visitation in all of the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:
      • There will be no limitation to the frequency and length of visits, the number of visitors, or require advanced scheduling
      • Visits will be conducted in a manner that will not interfere or infringe upon other resident rights
   7. Visits will be allowed during outbreak investigations, but should ideally occur in the resident’s room. The resident and their visitors should wear well-fitting source control as tolerated.
   8. The community will comply with all residents’ rights to include allowance to private and uncensored communication, including, but not limited to, receiving and sending unopened correspondence, access to a telephone, visiting with any person of the resident’s choice during visiting hours, and overnight visitation outside the facility with family and friends in accordance with facility policies, physician orders, and unless otherwise indicated in the resident care plan.
   9. The community will comply with all Residents’ rights to include allowance to private and uncensored communication, including, but not limited to, receiving and sending unopened correspondence, access to a telephone, visiting with any person of the resident’s choice during visiting hours, and overnight visitation outside the facility with family and friends in accordance with facility policies, physician orders without the resident’s losing his or her bed. Facility visiting hours shall be flexible, taking into consideration special circumstances such as, but not limited to, out-of-town visitors and working relatives or friends. Unless otherwise indicated in the resident care plan, the licensee shall, with the consent of the resident and in accordance with policies approved by state agencies, permit recognized volunteer groups, representatives of community-based legal, social, mental health, and leisure programs, and members of the clergy access to the facility during visiting hours for the purpose of visiting with and providing services to any resident.
   10. The community will comply with all components of the Resident’s Bill of Rights to include they will not restrict private communication, including receiving and sending unopened correspondence, access to a telephone, and visiting with any person of his or her choice, at any time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at a minimum. Upon request, the community shall make provisions to extend visiting hours for caregivers and out-of-town guests, and in other similar situations.
   11. Consensual physical contact will be allowed between a resident and a visitor unless otherwise care planned.