Starting June 3, 2020 visitor restrictions are being eased to allow family and friends of residents in Massachusetts nursing homes, rest homes, and assisted living facilities to begin visiting in specified outdoor areas, as long as they observe these rules found at: https://barnstablehealth.com/2020/06/02/new-guidance-issued-for-long-term-care-outdoor-visitations/
- A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 cannot be visited. A resident who has recovered from COVID-19 may be visited.
- Visitors must be screened for fever or respiratory symptoms. Any individuals with symptoms of COVID- 19 infection will not be permitted to visit with a resident.
- A long-term care facility staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures must always remain with the resident during the visit.
- Visits must be limited to no more than two individuals. A visitor must always remain at least 6 feet from the resident and attending staff member(s) during the visit.
- Staff and residents must wear a surgical face mask, and visitors must wear a face covering or mask for the duration of the visit.
It should be noted that visitations are subject to āpermissible weather conditions, availability of outdoor space, and sufficient staffing at the facility to meet resident care needs, and the health and well-being of the resident.ā
Additional guidance will be issued in the coming days to allow similar visitation for the two state-operated veteransā homes and other 24/7 congregate care facilities.
Long-term care facilities are advised to continue using alternative electronic methods for communicating between residents and visitors.
Compliance Perspective
Facilities must be aware of and carefully follow their individual stateās restrictions and guidelines regarding visitation of residents by family and friends to prevent placing residents in jeopardy for increased risk of COVID-19 infection and the violation of state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures and implement any new guidelines related to changes in COVID-19 visitor and other restrictions.
- Train staff regarding changes in COVID-19 visitation restrictions and instruct selected staff members about required guidelines to ensure resident safety, infection control measure compliance, and monitoring during any visitation.
- Periodically audit to ensure that any allowed visitations are following the stateās guidelines.
