Visitation Policy

DEPARTMENT: Hospital-wide

POLICY:

• The Hospital recognizes the right of visitation by an individual of the patient's choice to assist in the health promotion and healing process while assuring safety and providing a quiet, restful, therapeutic environment. The hospital will allow a family member, friend, or other individual to be present with the patient for emotional support during the stay, subject to the exceptions below. The hospital will not deny visitation privileges based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Exception: Nurse Management (Nursing Supervisors, Directors, or the Chief Nursing Officer) and/or Physician staff can suspend visitation for patients when that visitation infringes on the rights or safety of others, including privacy rights. Visitation may also be suspended if it is medically or therapeutically contraindicated.
• Restricted Visitation: Visitation policies, hours, and the number of visitors allowed in the facility can change at any time to protect the health and safety of patients, families, and employees.

PROCEDURES / GENERAL GUIDELINES:

1. STAFF EXPECTATIONS: Staff are expected to be knowledgeable of the Hospital Visitation Guidelines, HIPAA regulations, and infection control policies. They are responsible for educating patients, families, and visitors on these guidelines. If a visitor violates hospital policy, the Code of Conduct, or interferes with safety, staff will attempt to resolve the issue by involving available resources (e.g., Charge nurses, Nursing Supervisor, Patient Advocate, Physician, Security, etc.).
   
    
2. ACCESS:
   1. To minimize safety risks, overnight visitors should limit exits/re-entries between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Visitors entering after 9:00 p.m. must use the Emergency Department entrance and receive approval at the registration desk.
      1. Minors may not stay overnight unless accompanied by a non-patient adult.
      2. The hospital reserves the right to deny access to individuals at risk of transmitting infectious diseases.
   2. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Visitation: Visitors must use the telephone at the entrance of the unit and follow instructions.
      1. Only two visitors per patient are allowed at a time.
      2. Children under 12 are not allowed to visit ICU patients unless approved by Nursing Management and/or Physician staff.
      3. Exceptions to ICU visitation rules can be made if it is in the best interest of the patient.
   3. Women's Health Visitation: Visitors for Labor & Delivery, NICU/Nursery, and Mother/Baby/Gyn must ring the doorbell for access and register at the front desk on the 4th floor.
      1. Labor and Delivery: Limited to 4 visitors at a time at the discretion of nursing/physician staff. New mothers may designate one adult to stay overnight.
      2. NICU: Visitors are limited to parents, grandparents, and siblings. Visits are restricted based on the newborn's condition.
         1. During RSV season (October–March), visitation is restricted to persons over 12 years old.
         2. Mothers may stay after discharge if their newborn is not ready for discharge.
             
3. LIMITATIONS: Nurses may limit the number of visitors if it interferes with patient care.
   1. Visitors may be asked to leave during procedures.
   2. Disruptive visitors may be asked to leave, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the behavior.
       
4.  VISITATION BY CHILDREN: Patient visitation by children is welcomed provided it is beneficial to the patient and/or child (children). Children visiting the hospital must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult (other than the patient) at all times and the following must be evaluated: 
   1. Children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times.
   2. A nurse should assess potential risks to the child during visitation.
   3. Visit length should be appropriate for the child's age.
   4. Children must remain in the patient's room to avoid disrupting others.
   5. Responsible adults must monitor children's behavior at all times.
5. FORENSIC PATIENT VISITATION: Visitation will follow the policy of the incarcerating institution. (Reference Policy #14062085)