Currently, residential care facilities may offer visitation under compassionate circumstances, such as end-of-life situations, and in outdoor environments. There are other circumstances under which indoor visitation must be accommodated, such as to provide support for residents with disabilities and/or for religious exercise, and for long-term care ombudsman and adult protective services.
New state guidance expands visitation opportunities and outlines the requirements for indoor visitation in residential care facilities serving older adults and people with disabilities. Facilities should continue to encourage visits outdoors if weather permits and the resident is able to participate.
- Facilities must be in compliance with all public health orders prior to implementing this guidance.
- Residential care providers must routinely evaluate and update their visitation policies and procedures as updated guidance, facility resources, and community spread change.
- Individual facilities may enact stricter requirements based on their local conditions, but may not waive any of these requirements.
