Policy Title Visitation
AHCA F.S. 400.022 (1)(b), F.S. 408.823, F.S. 429.28 (1)(d)
Purpose: In-Person Visitation bill has been signed into law, creating Section 408.823, Florida Statute titled ‘In-person visitation,’ and may be cited as “No Patient Left Alone Act.”
Hawthorn House developed the following policy based on this new requirement. Hawthorn House will provide the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) with a copy of the facility’s visitation policy and procedure, the initial licensure application, renewal application, or change of ownership application. Hawthorn House will make the visitation policies and procedures available to the agency for review at any time, upon request.
Hawthorn House designates the Quality Manager as the person responsible for ensuring staff adhere to the policies and procedures.
Hawthorn House recognizes residents may designate a visitor who is a family member, friend, guardian or other individual as an essential caregiver. Hawthorn House will allow in-person visitation by the essential caregiver for at least 2 hours daily in addition to any other visitation authorized. Hawthorn House does not require an essential caregiver to provide necessary care to a resident. The designated essential caregiver will be documented in the resident’s electronic medical record and updated on the resident request.
Residents are allowed in-person visitation in all the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:
a. End-of-life situations.
b. A 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. The resident is making one or more major medical decisions.
d. A resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
e. A resident needs cueing and encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
f. A resident who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking.
Hawthorn House has no limit on the number of visitors per resident. Hawthorn House may limit the total number of visitors allowed in the facility at any given time due to the space to accommodate the visitors.
Visitation locations:
a. Residents’ private apartments.
b. Multi-purpose room or conference room is available, pre-arrangement is requested.
c. Outdoor space is available on the Bluebell and Azalea patio. Patios have covered areas, that are protected from heat and sun. Cooling and heating devices are available if needed.
Visitor’s schedule:
Hawthorn House welcomes visitors at any time. General visiting hours are between 0800-2100. Before 0800 and after 2000 visitors can utilize facility doorbell to coordinate with staff for access. There is no limitation on the visitation length.
Infection Control Policies:
Visitors must adhere to appropriate guidelines based on the current Infection Control Policy.
Infection Control Education for Visitors:
Infection Control policy will be available for visitors at the Hawthorn House front desk.
This policy does not prohibit visits if the specific resident to be visited is quarantined or showing symptoms of communicable disease. Visits in these circumstances will require a higher level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) than the standard masks. PPE will be provided to the visitor. The PPE will be consistent with the most recent CDC guidelines for healthcare workers.
Screening of visitors
Visitors:
Hawthorn House will follow the most current CDC guidelines regarding visiting. As guidelines are frequently updated, specific information will not be included in this policy due to frequent changes.
