Resident Right to Decline Visitation
Residents have the right to refuse or withdraw consent for visitation at any time. Staff will honor the resident’s preferences regarding visitation and will assist in communicating those wishes when necessary.

Visitation Hours and Length of Visits
The community permits visitation with any person of the residents choice at a minimum between the
hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Visits may occur during these hours unless limited by resident
preference, infection control practices, or safety considerations.. Visitor protocols will be communicated
to families in advanced, when applicable.
• Upon request, the facility will make provisions to extend visiting hours for caregivers, out-oftown
guests, and in other similar situations.
• Overnight visitation outside the facility with family and friends is permitted in accordance with
facility policies and physician orders.
• Recognized volunteer groups, representatives of community-based legal, social, mental health,
and leisure programs, and members of the clergy are permitted access to the facility during
visiting hours to visit with and provide services to any resident, with the resident’s consent and
in accordance with approved policies.

Location of Visits
Visitation may occur in resident rooms, designated visitation areas, outdoor spaces, or other
appropriate areas within the community unless limited by safety or infection control considerations.

Number of Visitors
The number of visitors permitted per resident at one time and the total number of visitors within the
community may be limited based on:
• Size of the community
• Available space for visitation
• Resident preference
• Infection control practices
• Safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, and visitors

Infectious Disease Precautions
When applicable, the community may notify visitors of increased infectious disease activity within the
community and provide guidance on infection control practices as applicable. Visitors will be
encouraged to follow recommended precautions while visiting.
During periods of increased infectious disease activity within the community or when recommended by
public health authorities, the community may implement additional infection control measures. These
measures may include additional screening protocols, or enhanced protective equipment requirements,
or other recommendations by local health departments/CDC, while continuing to support residents’
visitation rights.

Infection Control Education for Visitors
Visitors may receive education regarding infection prevention practices when necessary. Education may
include information on hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and infection prevention measures designed
to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Instructional signage may be posted throughout the
community to provide guidance for visitors regarding infection control practices.

Visitor Screening and Infection Control Protocols
Visitors are expected to self-screen for symptoms of illness prior to entering the community. Visitors
experiencing symptoms of infectious illness are encouraged to postpone their visit. The community may
implement screening procedures or infection control protocols when necessary to protect residents and
staff.
Visitors may be required to follow infection control practices including:
• Performing hand hygiene upon entering and leaving the community
• Following posted infection control guidance
• Complying with screening procedures when applicable
Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the community and visitors are encouraged to
utilize them.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Visitors may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks or other
protective items, when required by community policy, local health department guidance, applicable
state or federal regulations, or other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Consensual Physical Contact
Residents and visitors may engage in consensual physical contact including holding hands, hugging, or
assisting with activities of daily living. Both residents and visitors should perform hand hygiene before
and after physical contact. Residents’ and visitors’ hands should also be sanitized prior to leaving the
visiting area.

Vaccination Status
Visitors may not be required to provide proof of vaccination or immunization status as a condition of
visitation.

Essential Caregivers
A resident may designate a visitor who is a family member, friend, guardian, or other individual as an
essential caregiver. Essential caregivers shall be permitted in-person visitation for at least two (2) hours
daily, in addition to any other visitation permitted by the community. An essential caregiver is not
required to provide care for the resident, and the community may not require an essential caregiver to
provide such care. Residents may designate an essential caregiver verbally or in writing. Staff will
document the designation in the resident’s record.

Visitor Conduct
Visitors are expected to follow all applicable community policies, and respect the rights, privacy, and
safety of all residents and staff. Visitors may not interfere with the delivery of care or services. Visitors
who pose a safety risk or significantly disrupt operations may be asked to leave the community.

Responsibility for Staff Adherence
The Executive Director or designee is responsible for ensuring staff adherence to the community’s
visitation policies and procedures. Staff will be educated regarding this policy and are expected to
support residents’ visitation rights while maintaining appropriate infection control practices.

Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to remain consistent with Florida
statutes, administrative rules, and public health guidance. Any changes to this policy will be updated
within 24 hours on our community website.