Effective Date: 02/20/2025

POLICY:

State regulatory requirements allow residents to have visitors at a minimum from 9 AM to 9 PM. There may be circumstances that restrict resident visitation, such as pandemic influenza or the presence of infectious diseases that may require isolation. We are also required to have additional policies and procedures to allow in-person visitation that permits a resident to have in-person visits by an Essential Caregiver during these circumstances.

The visitation policies and procedures required must allow in-person visitation by Essential Caregivers in the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:

1. End-of-life situations.
2. A resident, client, or patient who was living with family before being admitted to the provider’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support.
3. The resident, client, or patient is making one or more major medical decisions.
4. A resident, client, or patient is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
5. A resident, client, or patient needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink, which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
6. A resident, client, or patient who used to talk and interact with others is now seldom speaking.

PROCEDURES:

In-Community Team Members:

1. The Executive Director or Designee is responsible for team member adherence to the visitation policies.
2. Current residents shall be provided a copy of the new policy. The Executive Director shall discuss the policy during the resident monthly meeting.
3. Upon move-in to the community, the resident or legal representative shall complete an acknowledgment of this policy and sign and date the policy form. A copy of the executed form shall be placed in the resident administration file and shall be subject to review upon request.
4. The form and policy shall be incorporated into the Resident Handbook and house rules for visitation.
5. Team members shall receive in-service training on this subject as part of the training for Resident Rights and Emergency Procedures.
6. Essential Caregivers shall sign in to a log sheet acknowledging their understanding of the policy. By signing in, they agree to follow the community visitation policies.

PROCEDURE:

Before In-Person Visitation, Essential Caregivers Are Required to Adhere to the Following Procedures:

1. Sign in upon entering the community and before interacting with any team member, residents, family members, outside providers, or friends. A copy of the policy shall be available for review upon request.
2. The policy shall be posted in the community in a conspicuous area accessible to visitors. Failure of visitors to adhere to the policy shall result in suspension of in-person visitation.
3. Visitors shall not be required to submit proof of vaccination or immunization.
4. Submit to a screening, which may include a questionnaire about health status.
5. Comply with the infection control and education policies for visitors. Infection control policies may require a visitor to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
6. Visitation hours will be from 9 AM to 9 PM. There is no time limit for visitation during these hours. Visitation outside of these hours requires Executive Director approval.
7. There is no limitation on the number of visitors a resident may have daily or at one time between the hours of 9 AM and 9 PM.
8. Consensual physical contact between a resident and a visitor shall not be restricted.

Visitation by Essential Caregivers May Occur in the Following Circumstances, Unless the Resident Objects:

1. End-of-life situations.
2. The resident who was living with family before move-in to the community’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support.
3. The resident is making one or more major medical decisions.
4. The resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
5. A resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink, which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
6. A resident who used to talk and interact with others is now seldom speaking.