Policy Title: Community Visitation Policy

Effective Date: 1/31/2025

POLICY: 

Florida statute 429 allows resident to have visitors at a minimum from 9 am to 9 pm. There may me circumstances which restrict resident visitation , such as pandemic influenza or the presence of infectious diseases that may require isolation. Florida Statute 408.23  requires additional policies and procedures to allow in-person visitation by Essential  the “No Patient Left Alone Act” requires SUNSCAPE BOCA RATON SENIOR LIVING to implement policy that allows a Resident  to have in-person visits by an Essential Caregiver during these circumstances. The visitation policies and procedures required must allow in person visitation by Essential Caregivers in the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:

1.   End-of-life  situations.
2.   A resident, client, or patient 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.
3.   The resident, client, or patient is making one or more major medical decisions.
4.   A resident, client, or patient is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
5.   A resident, client, or patient needs cueing, or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
6.   A resident, client, or patient who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking.

Procedures: In community team members:

1. The Executive Director or Designee is responsible for team member adherence to the visitation policies.
2. Current residents shall be provided a copy of the new policy. The Executive Director shall discuss the policy during the resident monthly meeting.
3. Upon move-in to the community, the resident or legal representative shall complete acknowledgement of this policy and shall sign and date the policy form. A copy of the executed form shall be placed in the resident administration file and shall be subject to review upon request.
4. The form and policy shall be incorporated in the Resident Handbook and house rules for  visitation.
5. Team member on this subject shall be included in the in-service training for Resident Rights and Emergency Procedures.
6. Essential caregivers shall sign in to a log sheet acknowledging understanding heir understanding by signing in, they agree to follow the  community visitation policies.

PROCEDURES: Before in-person visitation, Essential Caregivers are required to adhere to the following procedures:

1.   Sign in upon entering the community and before interacting with any team member, residents, family members, outside providers  or friends. A copy of the policy including FS 408.823 is available for review upon request.
2.   The visitor shall sign this policy acknowledging an understanding of visitation policies. Failure of visitors to adhere to the policy shall result in suspension of in- person visitation.
3.   The Visitor shall not be required to submit proof of vaccination or immunization.
4. Submit to a Screening which may have a questionnaire about health status. 
5.   Comply with the Infection control and education policies for visitors. Infection Control policies may request a visitor to wear Personal Protection Equipment. (PPE)
6. Visitation hours will be 9 am to 9 pm, per Florida Statute 429.28. 

Visitation outside of these will be considered upon request to the Executive Director. During these hours, in-person visitation by Essential Caregivers may occur in the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:

1. End -of Life situations.
2. The resident who was living with family before move-in to the community’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support.
3. The resident is making one or more major medical decisions.
4. The resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend, or family member who recently died.
5. A resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by family member or caregiver.
6. A resident who used to talk and interact with others and  is seldom speaking.