Visitation Policy and Procedure #AL-5015FL

As enacted by the state of Florida, the “No Patient Left Alone Act” will be effective as a law on May 6, 2022. (The “Community”) shall implement the following visitation procedures, including protocols surrounding essential caregivers (EC), in-person visitation, and infection control procedures during visitation.

AREAS OF FOCUS:

  1. Essential caregivers to visit the Community
  2. In-person visitation options to the Community
  3. Infection control procedures during visitation to the Community

ESSENTIAL CAREGIVER PROCEDURE

  • A resident may designate a visitor who is a family member, friend, guardian, or other individual as an essential caregiver.
  • The Community does not designate a maximum amount of time for visitation by the EC, but the resident and/or POA will determine the length of the visit.
  • The EC is not required to provide necessary care to a resident during any visit.

IN-PERSON VISITATION PROCEDURE

  • The Community will allow in-person visitation in all the following circumstances unless the resident objects:
  • Regular visitation of friends, family, or loved ones with the resident per Community visitation timeframes of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. following Florida Statutes §400.022(1)(b) and §429.28(1)(d).
  • End-of-life situations do not require adherence to visiting hours.
  • Visiting hours do not apply to a resident who was living with family before moving into the Community and is having difficulty with the change in environment.
  • Visiting hours do not apply if the resident is making one or more major medical decisions.
  • Visiting hours do not apply if the resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
  • Visiting hours do not apply if the resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
  • A resident who used to talk and interact with others, who seldom speaks.

Revision Date: 05/06/22 Solvere P&P – Administrative Manual Rev. 05/06/22_

  • Allow evening and weekend visits to accommodate work or childcare barriers.
  • If a resident tests positive for a communicable disease, the Community may restrict in-person visitation and implement other measures for the visitor to connect with the resident.
  • Consensual physical contact between a resident and visitor is permitted.
  • Visitation may take place indoors or outside.

INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURE

  • The Community will provide infection prevention and control education to visitors, including proper PPE use, hand hygiene, and social distancing as needed.
  • Key team members are designated to support infection control training.
  • The Community will maintain a visitor log.
  • The Community may perform testing as per Community policy.
  • The community's use of testing must be based on current CDC, FDA, and local DOH guidance.
  • Healthcare providers serving residents in the Community must comply with CDC requirements for PPE and must comply with all infection control requirements.
  • The Community will not require visitors to submit proof of any vaccination or immunization as a condition of visiting the resident. The Community may suspend in-person visitation of a specific visitor if the visitor violates the policies and procedures pertaining to visitation. The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that the Community staff adhere to this Visitation Policy and Procedure.

If you have any questions about this policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Executive Director at the community and we will be happy to assist with any help you may need.

See also reporting any related complaints to the Agency for Health Care Administration at: https://www.ahca.myflorida.com/visitation/ This Policy and Procedure may be amended anytime by the Community.