VISITATION POLICY & PROCEDURES

Purpose

This policy is based on the Florida law Chapter 408.823, which

guarantees the right of in-person visitation for residents and their

families, friends, guardians, or other individuals designated as

essential caregivers https://ahca.myflorida.com/visitation/.

Section 1: Infection Control and Education Policies for

Visitors

• All visitors must adhere to infection control protocols, including hand

hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

• Visitors must comply with the facility's infection control and education

policies, which include screening for symptoms, wearing a mask,

practicing hand hygiene, and maintaining physical distancing, if enacted at

the time of visit.

• Visitors will receive education on infection control measures upon entry

to the facility.

• Signage and informational materials will be provided to reinforce

infection control practices.

Section 2: Screening Protocols for Visitors

• Visitors will undergo screening for symptoms of infectious diseases prior

to entry.

• Screening may include temperature checks and a questionnaire regarding

recent symptoms or exposure to infectious diseases.

• Visitors exhibiting symptoms or who have been exposed to infectious

diseases will not be permitted entry.

Section 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Requirements

• Visitors must wear appropriate PPE as determined by the facility's

infection control policies.

• PPE may include masks, gloves, and gowns, depending on the level of

risk and the area being visited.

• The facility will provide PPE to visitors if needed.

Section 4: Permissible Length of Visits and Number of

Visitors

• General Visitation hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, unless

otherwise specified by the facility or requested by the resident.

• The length of visits and the number of visitors allowed will be

determined based on the facility's capacity and infection control

considerations. No more than two adults may visit in a semi private room

at one time, however, considerations are made for up to two adults,

accompanied with one child, or one adult in two children.

• Visits must meet or exceed the standards outlined in ss. 400.022 (1)(b)

and 429.28 (1)(d)

Section 5: Designation of Essential Caregivers

Residents may designate one or more visitors who are family members,

friends, guardians, or other individuals as essential caregivers. Essential

caregivers provide emotional support to help residents cope with difficult

transitions, losses, medical decisions, or other needs.

• Residents or their representatives must fill out a Resident Essential

Caregiver Designation Form and submit it to the facility.

• Essential caregivers must sign an Essential Caregiver Acceptance Form

and agree to follow the facility's policies and procedures for visitation.

• The facility must allow in-person visitation by essential caregivers for at

least 2 hours daily, in addition to any other visitation authorized by the

facility.

• The facility may make exceptions to the 2-hour visitation limit on a case-

by-case basis for end-of-life situations or other special circumstances.

Section 6: Circumstances Allowing In-Person Visitation

• In-person visitation must be allowed in the following circumstances,

unless the resident, client, or patient objects:

1. End-of-life situations.

2. Residents struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-

person family support.

3. Major medical decisions.

4. Emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member.

5. Cueing or encouragement to eat or drink.

6. Residents who used to talk and interact with others but are now seldom

speaking

Section 7: Consensual Physical Contact

• Consensual physical contact between a resident and a visitor is permitted,

provided that both parties agree and it does not compromise infection

control measures.

• Physical contact may include hand-holding, hugging, or other forms of

appropriate physical affection.

• Visitors and residents will be educated on safe practices for physical

contact to minimize the risk of infection.

Section 8: Compliance Agreement

• Visitors must follow any additional health or safety procedures that the

facility may implement, such as limiting the number of visitors per

resident, the duration of visits, or the areas where visits can take place.

• Visitors must respect the privacy and rights of other residents and staff in

the facility.

• Visitors may be required to agree in writing to follow the facility's

visitation policies and procedures.

Section 9: Designation of Responsible Person

• The facility will designate a staff person responsible for ensuring

adherence to the visitation policies and procedures. This person will

oversee the implementation and compliance of these policies.

Section 10: Vaccination and Immunization Status

• Visitors cannot be compelled to provide proof of vaccination,

immunization status, or testing as a condition for visitation. The facility

will respect the privacy and personal health information of all visitors.

For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the

administrator