Purpose

To outline the procedures and expectations for resident visitation in compliance with Florida Statutes, including § 408.823, to ensure residents have meaningful access to family and friends while maintaining safety and infection control standards.

Policy

Residents are allowed in-person visitation in all the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:

a. End-of-life situations;

b. Resident 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;

c. Resident is making one or more major medical decisions;

d. Resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died;

e. Resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver; and/or

f. Resident who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking

Tranquil Oaks will designate the Administrator as the person responsible for ensuring staff adhere to the Visitation Policy and Procedure.

Definitions

- Essential Caregiver: A visitor designated to provide critical support to a resident.
- General Visitor: Any family member, friend, or legal representative visiting the resident.
- Visitation Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, or by special arrangement. Communities shall permit in-person visitation by the Essential Caregiver for at least 2 hours daily in addition to any other visitation authorized by the community.

Procedure

1. Designating Visitors

The number of visitors per resident at one time and the total number of visitors in the community at one time (based on the size of the building and physical space and adherence to the infection control protocols) should be taken into consideration. Visitors and residents may have close contact as desired (including touch, hugs, assisting with activities of daily living, etc.). Consensual physical contact will not be restricted under this policy during visitation.

2. Scheduling and Access

Visitors should log their visits in the log book present (visitor name, date, time). Visitor protocols should be communicated to families in advance. Visitors will self-screen for symptoms of illness prior to the visit.

At each visit each person is expected to:

a. Review and sign the Visitation Policy Form.

b. Have their temperature checked at the door prior to entering the community.

c. Complete the questionnaire.

d. Receive infection control education materials provided upon entry.

e. Be free from flu like symptoms.

f. Wash/sanitize their hands.

Protective equipment will be available for visitors (mask, sanitizer, hand wash).

3. Infection Control Protocols

Visitors will be provided education on the Community’s infection control precautions.

a. The community shall maintain a hand sanitizing station at the entrance of the visiting area and at the check-in location.

b. Visitors are expected to sanitize hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or by hand washing with soap and water when entering and exiting.

c. Informational flyers provided at main entrance providing instructional signage and proper visitor education regarding:1) Infection control precautions; and 2) Other applicable practices (e.g., use of facemask or other appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, hand washing).

d.  The community highly recommends visitors to use a face-mask or other appropriate PPE in compliance with requirement by the State of Florida.

e. After visitation, the visiting areas will be disinfected by staff members.

f.  Management will train all associates to follow all procedures designed for the visitation policy upon hiring and randomly perform skills audits that policies are properly being followed.

4. Limitations and Denials

This policy does not prohibit visits if the resident to be visited is quarantined, tested positive, or showing symptoms of a communicable disease. Visits in these circumstances will require a higher level of Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) than standard masks. PPE will be provided to the Visitor and will be in accordance with the most recent CDC guidance for healthcare workers.

Visitors are not required to agree in writing to follow the visitation policies and procedures. However, if the visitor has violated the policies and procedures, the facility may suspend in-person visitation for the specific individual. Visitors will not be compelled to provide proof of vaccination or immunization status.

Emergency Policy

In emergencies such as natural disasters or pandemics, virtual visitation may be implemented temporarily. Families will be notified within 24 hours of changes. An Essential Caregiver cannot be denied entry into the Community, even in an emergency situation.

Compliance

This policy complies with Florida Statute § 408.823 and applicable AHCA rules.

Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually or upon any changes in law or regulatory guidance.

Effective Date: __________________
Reviewed By: Administrator
Next Review Date: __________________