Visitation Policy
The Visitation Policy is designed to promote resident, visitor, and employee safety and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The community does not restrict visitation.
As per Florida Statute 408.823, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that staff adhere to the policies and procedures.
General Guidelines
- If the individual is a first-time visitor, offer them the Infection Control Training and Education.
- Screening Process/personal protective equipment, and infection control protocols.
- Ensure hand sanitizer is available for staff, visitors, and residents throughout the community.
- Screenings are no longer required for entrance to the community.
- Face mask use for residents and visitors is optional, regardless of vaccination or immunization status, unless the resident or visitor is ill or symptomatic.
- All visitors must immediately inform the community if they develop symptoms or test positive for any infectious disease or virus within 7 days of their visit to the community .
- If the individual’s loved one is in Isolation, they are required to wear a N-95 mask, gown, and face shield. An N95 mask may be offered upon request.
- Provide the individual with any personal protective equipment (PPE) needed prior to permitting entry.
- If their loved one is in quarantine, the individual is required to wear a N-95 mask.
- If they do not have one, provide them with one prior to permitting entry
- Hand hygiene should be performed by the resident and the visitors before and after contact.
- Visits for residents who share a room should ideally not be conducted in the resident’s room. If in-room visitation must occur (e.g., the resident is unable to leave the room), an unvaccinated roommate should not be present during the visit. If neither resident is able to leave the room, communities should attempt to enable in-room visitation while maintaining recommended infection prevention and control.
- Residents can visit with any person of his or her choice, at any time between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM at a minimum.
- There is no limit on the number of visitors allowed per visit.
- The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that staff adhere to the policies and procedures of the visitation policy.
- Visitors are not required to submit proof of any vaccination or immunization.
- Consensual physical contact between a resident and the visitor is allowed.
Essential Caregivers
A resident or their responsible party may designate anyone they choose as an Essential Caregiver. There are no limits on the number of identified Essential Caregivers per resident.
Special Circumstances
In the event a State Agency might require restriction, the Essential Caregiver will be allowed in all the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:
- End-of-life situations
- A resident who was living with family before moving into the community is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support.
- The resident is making one or more major medical decisions.
- A resident is experiencing emotional distress.
- A resident is grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
- A resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
- A resident, client, or patient who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking. During these times, visits must be conducted in the resident’s room.
For more information about visiting Florida communities generally, please visit ahca.myflorida.com/visitation/. If you believe that you or your loved one’s rights are being violated, please contact AHCA by calling the toll-free Complaint & Information Call Center at 1 (888) 419-3456, or by completing an online complaint form at: https://ahca.myflorida.com/.
Community Access Procedure
- Upon arrival check in.
- Sign in and out on the Visitor Log.
- Visitors will be instructed and given the Visitation/Infection control guidelines.
