Patients & Visitors

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Effective Monday, March 14, 2022:

COVID-19-Positive or Patients Under Investigation (PUI) Patients:

• One visitor is allowed per patient. It does not need to be the same person throughout the entire stay of the patient.
  • Visiting hours will be 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. Other times may be available upon consultation with the administrator on call (AOC). There are no visiting hour restrictions in the ED.
  • Visitor(s) must wear a KN95 or N95 mask upon entering the nursing unit. When in the patient’s room, appropriate PPE must be worn. The hospital will provide PPE if available.
  • Visitor(s) must remain in the patient’s room except when entering and exiting the hospital.
  • Visitor(s) must follow the General Visitor Rules (listed below).
• Exceptions:
  • Exceptions to COVID visitation rules require AOC approval.

Non-COVID-19 Patients:

• Two visitors are allowed per patient in ED, Med/Surg, CCU, L&D, Postpartum, and NICU.
  • Visitors do not need to be the same people throughout the entire stay of the patient.
  • Visitors must remain in the patient’s room at all times except when entering and exiting the hospital.
• Procedural Areas (e.g., Surgery, Cath Lab, IR)
  • Two visitors may stay with the patient during Pre-op (as appropriate).
  • The visitors must leave the building when the patient goes to the procedure room.
  • The visitors will be notified when they may come to the post-op area or inpatient unit.
• Outpatient Ancillary Services (e.g., Imaging, Lab, Wound Care, and PT)
  • Patients may have two visitors.
  • The standard visitor rules apply with respect to where visitors must stay while patient care is being provided.

Religious Counselor/Clergy:

• A patient who is seriously ill or dying must be allowed to have an in-person visit with a religious counselor (if requested).
• The religious counselor may be denied entry or removed for failure to comply with PPE requirements or to comply with/pass entrance screening.
• If the religious counselor is visiting a COVID-19-positive or PUI patient, wearing a KN95 or N95 mask and other appropriate PPE is required in the patient’s room.

General Visitor Rules:

• Visitors must pass entrance screening and wear a mask (see below).
• Visitors must be at least 18 years old.
  • Exception: A minor will be allowed if the minor is the parent or guardian of an infant (or child to be born) in the Women’s Services or NICU unit.
• Visiting hours will be according to the standard rules for each unit (except for COVID patients).
• All standard visitor rules apply with respect to visitor conduct and location except as stated.
• Visitor non-compliance or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Call security for any issues.

Universal Masking

All persons, including associates, medical staff/providers, patients, visitors and vendors must wear a mask at all times while in the facility.

Exceptions:

• A patient while alone in his/her room
• Children under age 2
• Anyone who has trouble breathing
• Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
• Anyone experiencing suicidal ideation
• Anyone who is actively eating or drinking

Entrance Screening

Signs describing COVID-19 symptoms and precautions, masking and visitation policies will be posted at public entrances. The signs also direct visitors to sign in at the nurse’s station in the unit they’re visiting. By entering our buildings, people are attesting that they do not have COVID-19 or its symptoms.

It is our collective responsibility to help visitors adhere to our visitation and masking policies. We ask for your continued support in this effort.